Quepem’s stray cattle menace continues, pound in bad shape

Quepem: In 2007, the high court of Bombay at Goa had directed the state’s civic bodies to tackle the menace of stray cattle squatting on roads and other public areas, that poses a risk to motorists. However, the problem continues unchecked in Quepem town.
After the high court order, in 2015, the directorate of animal husbandry and veterinary services issued a similar notification and reintroduced the Goa Stray Cattle Management Scheme 2013 with modification.Following this, 14 municipal councils and the Corporation of the City of Panaji had erected permanent cattle pounds.
In Quepem, the cattle pound sits a few metres away from the municipal office. It is, however, in a derelict condition with half of its roof collapsed and vegetation growing in its interiors.
The council had employed four labourers and a pound keeper who were tasked with the duty of impounding stray cattle. However, for the last many years, locals have not seen a single animal being impounded.
“Stray cattle are seen moving freely during day and night, occupying the main circle in Quepem town. The other spots are near a school and Tilamoll junction. All these areas, some open spaces and shopping areas, are covered with cow dung,” said local Umesh Netrawalkar.
The high court order, while stating that stray cattle should be in pounds and not on roads, had directed the municipal administration to take action against civic bodies failing to adhere with the order.
QMC chairperson Suchita Sirvoikar said that the council is in the process of recruiting one more pound keeper since the previous one has been promoted as supervisor.
“Even though the department gives lakhs of rupees in assistance, QMC and other nearby panchayats/municipalities hardly availed the funds,” said activist John Fernandes.