VALPOI: Most of the roads in Valpoi are widened and hot mixed to facilitate smooth flow of traffic but the presence of large number of stray cattle resembles that these roads are meant for them. The problem is especially severe in the evenings, when the cattle are let free and invariably end up on the busy roads.
The problem exists mostly in the town where roads cut across each other which are frequented by large number of stray cattle. Straying cattle is increasingly posing danger to motorists. The menace is especially severe at central market, Mauxi road, Hathwada junction and near the Valpoi bridge.
Local bus drivers have often rattled their passengers with sudden brakes while driving on the roads of Valpoi town.
This is not because they are bad drivers or because of improper road conditions but, confronted with cows squatting in the middle of the road there is little else that they can do. Sometimes drivers have to get off the vehicles to chase the animals away. The problem is severe during night time as some interior roads are not illuminated and these stray cattle squat in the middle of the road posing grave risk to the motorists.
It is for the local authorities to ensure that cattle owners do not let animals block traffic on busy roads said social activist, Ms Shanti Manerker.
Further she said, “I am the victim of stray cattle as recently I was hit by these loitering cattle at the central market.” She also blamed the municipal authority for not operating cattle pound constructed in ward 3.
“Even after the appointment of cattle pound supervisor the cattle pound is not operated,” she told the reporter. She also threatened to file a public litigation against municipality in regard to the inconvenience faced by the people due to the rise in stray cattle menace. Confriming the unexpected rise in stray cattle an ex-councillor of Valpoi Municipal Council (VMC), said, “There should be special amendment to the Act on stray cattle. The municipality or panchayats should insist on cattle owners obtaining certificates for their animals which will make the owner answerable for the animals when they are found straying.” Further he said that the owners have to come claiming for the cattle and they must be returned upon verification, building only cattle pound will not solve this problem, he remarked.
Meanwhile, many prominent citizens from Valpoi have called for opening of cattle pound to tackle the stray cattle menace.
Minino G.P.T. Fernandes, your hometown's cattles are in a disarray. There used to be times when pigs, chickens, dogs were shot dead if they were seen in the fields and larger animals were locked up in animal pounds only to be released after paying some penalty. I guess the Municipal Council Chief practices some sort mystic Indian ritual that he is not able to do anything . He needs to wake up before these animals endanger the safety of the human kind.
ReplyDeleteIf one looks at the picture they are Ghanta Cows. A cattle pound is the answer for the residents of Valpoi. Like the old days cattle owners should take responsibility for their stock. What is Goa without cow Dung?
ReplyDeleteAt least cowdung will come in handy to fill the potholes on the roads. PWD Minister, please make a note of this.
ReplyDeleteYes Anonymous, This has been going on for a very long time. No one is bothered and no owner comes forward to claim the cattle. The only time they come forward is when somebody hits the cattle with their vehicle. Then there are owners for the cattle to demand money as compensation.
ReplyDeleteIqbal... this not only happens in Valpoi but many other villages too. The cattle sits right in the middle of the road. I have seen this in Divar. A bus, full of passengers most of whom are going to work in Pangim or surroounding areas, has to catch the ferry on time. The driver of the bus will keep on honking but the cattle oblivious of anything going around, will enjoy their sleep in the middle of the road. The passengers has to get down from the bus and shoo these animals away, while the owner must be happily watchiing and enjoying the drama from his house. If the cattle is even slightly hit by the bus, then the owner/s will come out running and threatening the bus driver for negligent driving and demand for compensation or even threaten to file a case against him.
ReplyDeleteThe cow is a sacred animal. It purifies the roads so they have right to sit in the middle of the road. Afterall its dung and urine are purifying agents. So what is wrong with it? Valpoi town too will become sacred!
ReplyDeleteYes the cow is sacred, but please understand it is a very serious safety issue. We hit a cow once, my mother was very upset as suddenly the cow jumped into the road and she could not avoid hitting it. We had only just bought a brand new car, just two weeks old....this was the first time my family was able to afford a brand new car. We had to live with the bashed up car forever. Every time we looked at it we felt very sad, as a beautiful expensive car was destroyed before we had a chance to enjoy it. So please understand, it is a very serious issue. I don't mind cows roaming all over but please not on the roads please.
ReplyDeleteif think cattle on roads is a problem ? try telling the cattle owner about this issues.He will give u reasons such as these roads and houses are come now .he's business was there since the world was created. infact they will abuse u with badwords more. they do not care if their cattle bangs u and kills u or ur children .they do not care if their cattle comes in front of ur house and shits in front of ur gate.as long as they make money its enough. Don't blame the Cattle . BLAME THE CATTLE OWNERS . if some people here think that we should thank them for still running that business then tht's rubbish.
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