Daijiworld Media Network - Bicholim

Bicholim, Aug 5: Frequent accidents involving stray cattle on the Bicholim–Sanquelim road have raised concerns among residents, who have blamed speeding trucks and lorries for the recurring deaths of animals, particularly during the night.

Locals said one or more cattle are found dead on the stretch almost every week or fortnight, posing a serious road safety concern.

Resident Sanjay Kharbe said the increasing number of nighttime accidents is alarming and called for immediate intervention by the authorities.

Bordem resident Raam Shirgaonkar said the road falls under the jurisdiction of the Karapur-Sarvan panchayat and urged the local body to take up the issue in the gram sabha and implement measures to prevent cattle from straying onto the road.

Shirgaonkar also blamed the negligence of cattle owners for the situation and suggested imposing penalties on those who allow their animals to roam freely.

Referring to the latest incident, he said a cow was crushed to death by a heavy truck on Sunday, highlighting the absence of effective preventive measures and accountability.

Residents have appealed for urgent steps to keep stray cattle off the road and warned that they would stage protests if the issue remains unresolved.