Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 08 November 2024
Andaman and Nicobar Islands are grappling with a growing issue of stray cattle, which is impacting communities from Campbell Bay in Great Nicobar to Diglipur in North Andaman. Rural areas across the archipelago, including South Andaman, are finding it increasingly difficult to manage the presence of wandering cattle, which has become a daily challenge for residents and a threat to public safety.
In Great Nicobar, cattle can often be seen lounging on roads in the evenings and at night, blocking major pathways. Despite honking and other attempts by drivers to make them move, the cattle often remain unfazed, causing significant issues and creating hazards for motorists. The issue is particularly troublesome in Diglipur, where stray cattle are a bane to local farmers, frequently invading fields and destroying crops—a setback for the region’s agrarian economy.
The problem extends to other parts of the islands, including Caddle Gunj in South Andaman, notorious for its cattle menace along NH-4. Here, residents and highway users contend with the dangers posed by these animals on the road.
The root cause of this problem is largely attributed to the fact that many cattle, while appearing stray, are actually owned by locals who allow their animals to roam freely. Local panchayats, unfortunately, lack the necessary resources to address this issue effectively. They are often understaffed and underfunded, making it challenging to manage or secure stray cattle. Even when panchayats do manage to capture cattle, they face difficulties in caring for the animals—providing essentials like water, fodder, and proper shelter is a strain on their limited budgets. The owners, aware of these limitations, are frequently unwilling to pay fines, knowing the panchayats will eventually have to release the animals.
The cattle menace not only disrupts daily life but also poses a significant risk to both humans and animals. Wandering cattle increase the chances of accidents, which can prove fatal for humans and the animals alike. In populated areas like bazaars, the cattle occasionally become agitated, running wildly among pedestrians, which raises concerns for public safety. The roads, littered with cattle dung, further endanger two-wheeler riders, making accidents more likely.
Addressing this persistent problem will require empowering local panchayats. Allocating adequate funds and manpower to these bodies would be a vital first step, enabling them to manage stray cattle effectively. Additionally, NGOs should be encouraged to establish shelters for stray animals on various islands, with financial support from government schemes to ensure their sustainability.
Moreover, advanced solutions, such as artificial insemination technology, can help control the stray cattle population. The Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services (AH&VS) offers sorted sperm technology in the islands, which allows farmers to breed more female cattle, as male calves are more likely to be abandoned. Promoting awareness of this technology among farmers could help curb the abandonment issue over time.
Without these measures, the cattle menace across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands may only worsen, leaving residents, local governance bodies, and motorists to continue dealing with its repercussions.