Ghaziabad is set to significantly ramp up its efforts to manage the stray dog population with the inauguration of its third Animal Birth Control (ABC) centre next month. The new facility, located in Vijay Nagar, represents a major step in the city's civic infrastructure for animal welfare.
Boosting Sterilisation Capacity to 120 Dogs Per Day
The upcoming Vijay Nagar centre, developed at a cost of Rs 2 crore, will have the capacity to sterilise 50 community dogs daily. This addition is a game-changer for Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation (GMC). Once operational, it will enable the city to sterilise approximately 120 dogs per day across its three facilities, a substantial increase from previous capabilities.
This expansion comes at a crucial time. Stray dog population control efforts across Delhi-NCR have been under increased scrutiny since the Supreme Court took up the matter earlier this year. The enhanced capacity is a direct response to the growing need for systematic and humane population management.
GMC's Multi-Ward Strategy and Current Progress
The GMC has a clear roadmap to establish ABC centres in each of its five wards. The Vijay Nagar centre is the latest in this series. In October of this year, the corporation operationalised the city's second ABC centre near the Old Bus Adda, which can handle 40 dogs per day. The first centre in Nandgram has a daily capacity of 30 animals.
A GMC official highlighted the expected impact, stating, "This will go a long way in controlling the stray population in the city, and we hope that this will also help in reducing dog bites, which has acquired a dangerous proportion."
The scale of the challenge is evident from the numbers. According to a 2021 stray dog census conducted by the GMC, there were about 48,000 strays in the Ghaziabad municipal area. Officials report that around 35,000 have been sterilised so far. While no fresh census has been conducted since 2021, estimates suggest the current stray population may have risen to 60,000.
Integrated Approach: Sterilisation and Regulated Feeding
The GMC's strategy extends beyond just sterilisation. In a move to create more orderly urban spaces, the state government issued rules in September for feeding community animals, including dogs. A government order (GO) mandated urban local bodies to comply.
In accordance with the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, the GMC has already set up dedicated dog feeding spots in each ward. The rules are strict: feeding is prohibited at any other location, and each designated spot must have a signboard stating, 'Community dogs should be fed at this spot only, and any violation by a person or organisation will invite adverse action against them.'
The official added, "With the help of volunteers and GMC personnel, non-compliance is brought to our notice, and rules are being implemented." This two-pronged approach—aggressive sterilisation coupled with regulated feeding zones—aims to create a sustainable solution for human-animal coexistence in the growing city.
