Stray buffalo menace alarms Curchorem-Cacora residents

Margao: Curchorem-Cacora residents have raised concerns over a growing stray buffalo menace that, apart from destroying crops and banana plantations, poses a grave threat to road safety.

According to locals, stray buffaloes herds have been roaming the town over several nights, moving from Ambedkar Chowk towards Baagwada and Shirfod, damaging plantations. Tushar Suresh Kudchadkar, a resident whose plantation in Baag was affected, reportedly suffered significant losses .

Residents have flagged road safety risks, especially at Ambedkar Circle, where the animals have been spotted wandering onto the road at night, with cow dung and water strewn across the road. “Buffaloes suddenly jump onto the road. It is an open invitation for accidental death,” warned a resident, pointing out that scores of young commuters travel on two-wheelers early in the morning and late at night .

Residents have also suggested that nets be installed on both sides of the roads leading to Ambedkar Circle as an interim measure to prevent the animals from straying onto the road.

Under the Goa Municipalities Act, a designated pound keeper is responsible for impounding stray cattle in municipal limits to ensure public safety, smooth traffic flow, and prevention of accidents.

Locals have demanded that Curchorem-Cacora Municipal Council urgently address the issue.