Goa govt to tackle stray cattle menace
Panaji, Mar 18 : The Goa government has framed a scheme to exclusively deal with the cattle menace on the streets and beaches of the tourist state.
The Goa Legislative Assmebly was told on its first day of the 28-long Budget Session that Stray Cattle Management Scheme 2013 will be notified by May month.
"The scheme is sent for final approval. It will be notified from May and soon implemented. In the next four to five month, the public roads and beaches will be cleared of stray cattle menace," Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar told the House.
He clarified that Municipalities and Panchayats are liable to tackle the situation in their respective jurisdiction, for which government is ready to fund.
Similarly, Parrikar also said that government will fund agencies to impound animal straying on the beaches and highways provided the animals are not auctioned.
"The cattle should be lodged in the government owned pound so that they are not auctioned for butchering. We are in talks with some NGOs who have shown interest to assist the government," he said.
Leader of Opposition Pratapsing Rane, BJP legislator Michael Lobo and Independent MLA Rohan Khaunte had together raised concern that cattle straying have been haunting the commuters, especially at nights.
"Herds of cattle loiter on the roads and some sit in the middle of the roads causing serious inconvenience to commuters. At times, either animals get killed or commuters are injuried in accidents," Khaunte said.
Meanwhile, before the beginning of the Budget Session, Speaker Rajendra Arlerkar announced the decision to hold year long celebration to mark the golden jubilee of the Legislative Assembly.