TUESDAY, JULY 09, 2024
Team Herald
PONDA: Stating that 25 per cent of road accident deaths occur due to stray cattle that roam Goa’s roads, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stressed the need to establish 12 goshalas (cattle pounds) - one in each taluka- to reduce fatalities of both road-users and cattle. Sawant inaugurated a goshala for the Ponda Municipal Council (PMC) at Nirankal-Bethora on Friday.
CM Sawant highlighted the impact of stray cattle on road safety, noting that around 365 deaths occur annually in Goa due to accidents, with 25 percent attributed to stray cattle. He urged citizens to share the responsibility and not solely blame the government for these incidents. He called on NGOs, self-help groups, and youth to set up goshalas in their respective talukas, assuring them of 100 percent financial support from the Animal Husbandry Department, with a maintenance cost of Rs 150 per head of cattle. Sawant also encouraged the initiation of pisciculture, horticulture, agriculture, and other traditional activities, promising government support.
The PMC became the first local body to set up a goshala under the Stray Management Scheme of the Animal Husbandry Department, with assistance from NGOs and local residents. The event saw the presence of various dignitaries, including Agriculture Minister Ravi Naik, WRD Minister Subash Shirodkar, Minister for Animal Husbandry Nilkant Halarnkar, former MP Vinay Tendulkar, and others. Landowner Bhavani Patil was felicitated by the Chief Minister for donating 27,000 square metres of land for the goshala, as well as two local youths who are members of NGO People For Animals, for taking the initiative to set up and run the pound.
Sawant stressed that all talukas need to establish goshalas and sign MoUs with local Panchayats to manage stray cattle, transforming Goa into an accident-free zone. He advocated for running goshalas commercially by selling by-products and assured technical and scientific support for their viability.
Animal Husbandry Minister Nilkant Halarnkar encouraged citizens to note down the mobile number of the goshala to report stray cattle, mentioning that funds are available for shifting and maintenance costs. He urged NGOs to set up goshalas to enhance road safety and prevent fatalities, citing the success in Porvorim, where stray cattle have been managed effectively.
Farmers raising Goan Kapila cows to get govt dole for maintenance
PONDA: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant also announced that Goans who rear the traditional Goan Kapila cow would receive Rs 80 per cow for their maintenance. He highlighted the unique benefits of the Kapila cow's milk, noting that while it produces around one litre of milk compared to the 20 litres produced by a Jersey cow, the milk from the Kapila cow is more nutritious and medicinal. Sawant mentioned that the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) would be directed to conduct research aimed at increasing the milk production of local cows to at least 8 litres from the current 1 litre.
The Chief Minister stressed the importance of keeping these cows within compounds to prevent them from causing accidents on the roads. He also issued a warning regarding the Kamdhenu scheme, stating that if Jersey cows purchased under the scheme were found straying on the roads, the scheme would be discontinued.
