NT Reporter
Panaji
Stray cattle on roads pose a significant safety hazard, leading to numerous accidents and fatalities, with seven lives lost to the menace in the state in the last two and half years.
Three such accidental deaths occurred in the jurisdiction of Bicholim police station, while one each occurred in Calangute, Old Goa, Verna and Curchorem police station areas.
As per government data, from 2023 to June 2025, a total of 1,302 road accidents have occurred due to cattle sitting or moving on roads. In 2023, the state recorded 524 road accidents due to stray cattle, leaving two persons dead, while four persons lost their lives in 2024, which saw 507 accidents caused by the presence of cattle on roads.
A total of 271 road accidents have occurred this year till June 30 with one fatality recorded. According to police, cattle have also died in such road accidents.
Stating that bovines sitting on roads and highways pose a threat to commuters, especially during night time, police officials said letters have been sent to various authorities with a request to impound such stray animals and initiate action.
Police have also identified 43 accident spots in the state, including 13 accident-prone zones and 30 black spots. Two of the accident-prone zones are located in Panaji.
Referring to the corrective measures undertaken for public safety, police said awareness programmes on road accidents and citizen safety are held by police stations and traffic cells by visiting schools and colleges and also at other public places. Special drives are held, staff is deployed at strategic points and accident-prone areas for monitoring, checking and regulating smooth flow on vehicular traffic, said officials.
