Calls for strict compliance, infrastructure upgrade, coordinated action
BANDIPORA: Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib, today chaired a meeting to review the implementation of the Supreme Court directions on stray dog management and to assess the district-level response to the growing menace.
During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner described the stray dog issue as a “big and serious problem” that restricts the freedom of citizens, and stressed the need for a coordinated, sustained and responsible response. She reiterated that the district must “start with the resources available” while simultaneously working toward long-term infrastructure strengthening.
On the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner issued a series of directions to all departments. She directed the District Level Committee (DLC) to meet frequently to ensure continuous monitoring and timely execution of tasks. She directed officers to identify an isolated building or suitable space for establishing holding facilities, and emphasised the need for trained handlers, catchers and proper hospital support from the Animal Husbandry Department .
The Deputy Commissioner stressed all departments to appoint nodal officers for ensuring compliance in their respective jurisdictions. She directed the Municipal Council to conduct regular inspections in institutional areas and fix responsibility in case of any lapses.
The DC further directed the ACP to create awareness regarding designated feeding centres and to ensure that feeding takes place only at authorised locations.
On the occasion, the DC also called for extensive awareness sessions in educational institutions, including training for students on preventive behaviour, first-aid kits, and immediate reporting protocols. She directed departments to map playgrounds, schools, hospitals and other public spaces in line with Supreme Court instructions to prevent stray dog ingress.
The Deputy Commissioner asked the Animal Husbandry Department to submit a report detailing actions taken over the last three years, including procurement of medicines, OT utilisation and sterilisation support, while the Municipal Council was directed to furnish its three-year performance report on stray dog management.
The DC emphasised that coordinated action, accurate reporting and strict enforcement are essential for safeguarding public safety and complying with the directions of the Supreme Court.
The meeting was attended by officers from the Municipal Council Bandipora, Animal Husbandry Department, Rural Development Department, Education Department, Health Department and other concerned line departments.