15 goats ‘arrested’ for grazing on saplings

Tribune News Service

Hyderabad, July 26

In a bizarre incident, the MC employees on the directions of the Municipal Commissioner have taken 15 goats into custody for eating the saplings planted on the road divider. Besides, a fine of Rs 3,000 has been imposed on each goat.

The incident took place at Yellandu town in Bhadradri Kothagudem district of Telangana.

Municipal Commissioner Srinivas Reddy recently witnessed the goats damaging the saplings planted as part of the sixth phase “Haritha Haram” (plantation drive) that aims at increasing the green cover in the state to 33 per cent.

During the sixth phase of “Haritha Haram”, the state aims at planting 30 crore saplings in various parts of the state.

On the directions of the Municipal Commissioner, the staff concerned detained nine goats on Thursday and Friday and another six on Saturday. All 15 have been confined at the municipality office. The MC staff is giving them feed and water as the owners of the goats have not shown up, possibly apprehending reprimand.

The municipal authorities have sent out several WhatsApp messages, asking the owners to come to the municipal office and get the goats released by Monday after paying the penalty under the provisions of the Municipality Act, 2019. A message has been sent out that in case the goat owners fail to turn up, the animals would be auctioned on Monday.

Telangana records one of the highest numbers of goat and sheep population in the country after the Telangana Rashtra Samithi government distributed free goats and animals to farmers as part of their support system after coming to power. There are about 1.74 crore sheep and goats in 31 districts of Telangana.