Panaji: Goa’s long-pending plan to introduce dedicated animal ambulance services has hit another hurdle, with officials confirming that the tender will be refloated after failing to attract bidders.Margao: Locals blocked the road near Ravindra Bhavan in Curchorem on Thursday, protesting the release of the truck involved in the fatal accident that claimed the life of 18-year-old Jesval Diniz of Cacora earlier this week.The protesters demanded a full investigation into the circumstances of the accident, including whether the truck had valid permits for transporting laterite stones.Diniz died on April 19 after his scooter went under the front wheel of an oncoming truck near Ravindra Bhavan in the early hours.Locals alleged that the absence of cautionary signs or reflective tapes at a road diversion, created for culvert construction, was a key factor in the accident.They also questioned why the truck was transporting laterite stones during the dark hours and whether it held valid permits, given that laterite quarries are currently closed.Local activist Dattaraj Raut Dessai said, “Roads are in a dug-up state round the year, and people are subjected to immense hardships. This road was diverted for construction of a culvert, and that is why the accident happened — there were no cautionary signs or reflective tapes installed. The police released the truck, but they haven’t checked how the driver could obtain a permit for laterite stone transportation when all laterite quarries are closed. Why was transportation being carried out in the dark hours? All these trucks are overloaded and do illegal transportation without permits. We will get to the bottom of this case and ensure that the victim’s family gets justice.”The deceased’s family called into question the police version of events. “The police say Jesval was riding on the wrong side, but he had no choice — the road is constricted because of the diversion,” the deceased’s uncle said.Police has now filed an offence against Raut Dessai, alongwith 10 to 15 others, under sections relating to unlawful assembly, obstruction of a public servant and wrongful restraint under the BNS, 2023.A senior official from the directorate of animal husbandry and veterinary services said govt is yet to finalise a timeline for issuing the fresh tender. “We will refloat the tender for the third time, but the timeline has not been decided,” the official said.The initiative has struggled to take off over the past two years due to a lack of interest from service providers. In an earlier attempt, only one bid was received, which was rejected by the finance department. A subsequent tender also failed to draw any participation.With no dedicated animal ambulance service in place, concerns persist over emergency veterinary response, especially in rural and remote areas. Officials acknowledged the gap but said temporary arrangements are in place.“At present, veterinary services are being provided at the doorstep through govt dispensaries, with field staff deployed to attend cases as needed,” the official said.The proposed service aims to improve emergency care, particularly for injured or immobile livestock. The tender includes specifications for ambulances equipped to handle both small and large animals. Vehicles meant for larger animals would require hydraulic lifts to enable safe transport, as manual loading is not feasible.The ambulances are also expected to operate round-the-clock, addressing emergencies beyond the scope of existing services.The department has now referred the matter back to govt for a decision, with a third round of tendering likely in the coming months. Until then, Goa remains without an animal ambulance, relying on its existing network of veterinary dispensaries.
