Port Blair, June 9:  Cattle menace in the city has always been in the limelight, with media trying their best to bring it to the notice of the concerned authorities. Many at times, action has been initiated following the reports published but alas! It seems to be a never ending problem.

Cattle pounds have been constructed in different parts of the city and we try our best to clear the mess, said the Sanitary Officer of PBMC Shri Vijay Tiwari while being questioned.

We have also increased the fine amount from Rs. 350/- to Rs. 500/- and levied a feeding charge of Rs. 100/- per day. It has been notified, he said. Meanwhile, we try our best to inform the cattle owners through media, not to allow their cattle to stray on the road.

The Sanitary Officer also informed that Cattle Catching by the Sanitary Workers is a daily affair and in a month around 150-170 stray cattle are being impounded.

We have also noticed that during peak traffic hours, it becomes difficult to remove cattle from the roads. Many at times, our workers have been injured badly while trying to capture them. To overcome this issue, we have also floated a proposal for ‘Cattle Catching Van’ with ramp facility.

The PBMC cannot be blamed for the issue, he said adding that it is also the duty of the media to highlight the issue and also inform the cattle owners.

Andaman Chronicle has noticed that cattle menace is a regular affair in the city especially at Chakkar Gaon turning. Blind turns, steep slope and dividers installed by the Traffic Police in the area makes it dangerous for the vehicle drivers, especially during nights. It is also learnt that the cattle owners are mostly from the Police Department itself, who stay in the govt. quarters allotted to them. The only time when no cattle are found straying in this stretch of road is when the Hon’ble Lt. Governor travels on it.

There was a time when Shri SB Tyagi as the Superintendent of Police, South Andaman had issued strict instruction to the policemen, not to rear cattle in govt. accommodations. The menace seemed to get solved at the time, but after his departure from the islands, it’s now back to square one.

It can be hoped that atleast the Police Department would take this as a serious issue and instruct the men in uniform to stop making mockery of the rules as charity begins from home.