Stray Dogs
– Photo: Amar Ujala
Expansion
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has completed the sterilization of about 90 percent of the abandoned dogs in more than 65 wards. According to the corporation, the veterinary department is working to reach this target in the remaining wards. 21 NGOs in Delhi are working with MCD to control the population of abandoned dogs.
MCD has roped in additional NGOs to intensify its dog sterilization campaign. Earlier their number was 16, now it has become 21. 21 sterilization centers have been opened including Dwarka Sector-29, Usmanpur, Rohini Sector-27, Masoodpur, Timarpur, Bela Road, Lajpat Nagar, Kotla, Ghazipur, Bijwasan, Sainik Enclave, Nangli, Satbari, Masoodpur, Rajokri, Raja Garden. Five centers are of NGOs, eight centers are of MCD and eight centers are running in Delhi government hospitals. Soon the closed veterinary hospitals and sterilization centers in Mundhela, Tughlakabad, Prahladpur, Dwarka Sector-29 and Rohini Sector-27 will be opened with the help of NGOs.
MCD plans to sterilize around 75,000 dogs every year. Currently, about 55 thousand dogs were being sterilized every year. MCD pays Rs 900 to the NGO for capturing and sterilizing each abandoned dog. According to the officials of the Veterinary Department, about 90 percent sterilization has been done in more than 65 wards including Vikaspuri, Lajpat Nagar, Janakpuri, Mayur Vihar Phase-1, RK Puram, Raja Garden, Tilak Nagar. Every month 7-8 thousand dogs are being sterilized.
Only one hospital for treatment of rabies infection
Apart from Maharishi Valmiki Infectious Diseases Hospital in MCD’s Kingsway Camp in Delhi, there is no other hospital for treatment of infection after dog, cat, monkey or other animal bite. Five to 10 patients stay here every day. There is lack of doctors and nurses as well as basic facilities. Recently, while inspecting the health facilities in the hospital, Mayor Dr Shaili Oberoi had given instructions to improve the facilities.
Expansion of veterinary hospital and many other essential services
- The corporation has constituted a Primary Health Committee (PHC) to monitor the hospitals.
- Land has been taken from DDA to build a veterinary hospital in Basant Kunj OCF Pocket Sector-B. Animals and birds will be treated here.
- Opened CNG crematorium for animals (dog, sheep, goat, monkey, pig) in Dwarka Sector-29.
- Preparation to increase additional manpower to catch abandoned animals.