In a landmark move for animal welfare and urban management, the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (MC) has taken a decisive step to address the city's stray dog population. The civic body has identified a 1.7-acre plot of land to establish Chandigarh's first official dog shelter, a project also being called a 'dog pond'. This initiative is a direct response to a recent Supreme Court order and represents a significant shift towards systematic and compassionate stray animal management.
Location and Design of the Modern Shelter
The proposed shelter will be constructed in Sector 25 (West), strategically located near the existing Material Recovery Facility (MRF) Centre and the Daddumajra dumping site. Officials have confirmed that this land is both adequate and feasible, with the key advantage of being situated away from residential, commercial, or other human habitation zones, thereby minimizing potential conflicts.
The architectural plans for the shelter are ambitious and designed with modern standards in mind. The total planned area spans 78,134 square feet, with a built-up area of 73,542 square feet. The structure will be a two-floor facility, each floor covering 36,771 square feet. The shelter's total capacity is set at 1,762 stray dogs, accommodated through 881 kennels on the ground floor and an equal number on the first floor.
Beyond mere housing, the project is envisioned as a comprehensive care centre. The design incorporates dedicated treatment centres, corridor areas, exercise zones, and open spaces. Given the land's proximity to a main road, the MC has carefully planned separate entry and exit points to ensure smooth traffic flow and no obstructions.
Supreme Court Directive and Project Rationale
This pioneering project stems from a directive issued by the Supreme Court last month. The apex court had ordered all states and Union Territories to remove stray dogs from specific high-footfall and sensitive areas. These locations include educational institutions, hospitals, bus stands, sports complexes, and railway stations.
The Chandigarh MC's shelter plan is designed to permanently house dogs lifted from five designated locations across the city, as identified by the Supreme Court. The civic body is aiming to construct the maximum possible number of kennels within the available space to comply with this order. Sources indicate that the design allows for future expansion, with more kennels to be added if required.
A Holistic Approach to Stray Dog Management
The state-of-the-art shelter is intended to be much more than a holding facility. It will support critical functions like Animal Birth Control (ABC) and Anti-Rabies Vaccination (ARV) programs. Additionally, it will provide rehabilitation and comprehensive medical care for the animals. According to the MC, this integrated approach will significantly improve the scientific and humane management of Chandigarh's stray dog population.
In a related development, MC Commissioner Amit Kumar announced that the corporation is in advanced stages of identifying official feeding points for community dogs across Chandigarh. These designated spots aim to ensure organised, hygienic, and conflict-free feeding, balancing public health concerns with animal welfare.
Kumar stated that the creation of these feeding spots, the construction of the new dog shelter, and enhanced sanitation measures collectively reflect the MC's commitment to public safety and compassionate animal management. Furthermore, the project awaits detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) from the Animal Welfare Board of India for dog bite prevention and stray dog management in institutional premises, which will guide the final implementation.
