MCD's Revised Budget Emphasizes Animal Welfare and Environmental Protection
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has unveiled a revised budget that places significant emphasis on addressing the city's stray dog menace and combating air pollution. This strategic financial plan for 2025-26 and 2026-27 comes in response to directives from the Supreme Court, which took suo motu cognisance of the stray dog issue last year.
Comprehensive Plan for Stray Dog Management
In a major move to tackle the stray dog problem, the MCD has allocated a substantial budget of Rs 10 crore for the construction of dedicated dog shelters in each of its 12 administrative zones. MCD Standing Committee chairperson Satya Sharma, while presenting the Revised Budget Estimates, emphasized that this initiative will ensure stray dogs receive safe shelter, treatment, and proper care.
The budget also includes provisions for building kennels at five new Animal Birth Control (ABC) centers. These facilities will facilitate crucial sterilization procedures and anti-rabies vaccinations for the animals. Additionally, officials have announced plans for a comprehensive mass anti-rabies vaccination campaign across the city.
Formation of Special Pollution Control Group
To address Delhi's persistent air quality challenges, the MCD budget proposes the formation of a specialized 'Group of Departments' that will bring together all concerned departments. This interdepartmental team will be responsible for:
- Preparing year-round action plans for pollution control
- Monitoring implementation of environmental measures
- Ensuring timely and effective execution of pollution mitigation strategies
The group will focus on several key areas including controlling road dust, monitoring construction sites, improving waste management systems, increasing green cover, and taking decisive action against pollution-causing sources throughout the capital.
Financial Projections and Additional Allocations
The civic body has set ambitious financial targets, projecting an income of Rs 17,044 crore against an estimated expenditure of approximately Rs 16,698 crore for the 2026-27 fiscal year. For the revised estimates of 2025-26, income is pegged at around Rs 15,680 crore while expenditure is projected at Rs 16,305 crore.
After accounting for savings of about Rs 1,484 crore from the previous fiscal year, the current year is expected to close with a balance of approximately Rs 858 crore, according to Sharma's presentation.
Enhanced Development Funds and Employee Welfare
The revised budget includes several important administrative and welfare measures:
- The councillor development fund has been increased significantly to Rs 2 crore from the previous allocation of Rs 1.55 crore, with provisions for quarterly releases
- Additional allocations have been made for rural wards to ensure equitable development
- The budget proposes regularization of long-serving contractual employees
- Timely promotions and welfare measures for municipal staff have been incorporated
- Discretionary assistance funds have been enhanced to support community needs
Budget Timeline and Implementation
According to official announcements, general discussions on the budget will be conducted between February 3 and 6, with the formal adoption of budget estimates scheduled for February 12. The budget also focuses on developing basic infrastructure, expanding health services, strengthening sanitation systems, improving amenities, enhancing primary education services, and maintaining financial discipline throughout the corporation's operations.
Sharma emphasized that property tax will be collected from all eligible premises as part of the revenue generation strategy. The comprehensive budget approach reflects the MCD's commitment to addressing both immediate concerns like stray dog management and long-term challenges such as environmental protection while ensuring the city's sustainable development.
