Delhi University Moves to Secure North Campus with Fencing
Delhi University is actively considering the installation of fencing around its expansive North Campus. This significant step aims to control the movement of stray dogs within the university grounds. The decision follows a clear directive from the Supreme Court of India, which emphasized the need to prevent dog-bite incidents and ensure public safety.
Implementing Court Directives and New Guidelines
The university administration has officially notified a set of Standard Operating Procedures for managing stray dogs on its campuses. These SOPs were formulated by the Animal Welfare Board of India and issued by the Union Education Ministry. A notification was made on January 12, acting upon a Supreme Court order from November 7.
That court order stressed the urgent need to protect the safety and well-being of students, staff, and the general public within educational institutions. It called for uniform implementation of preventive measures across the country. In response, the Union Higher Education Department has directed all universities to comply with the new framework for regulating stray dogs on their premises.
Planning the Campus Enclosure
A senior university official confirmed that a meeting will be held soon. This meeting will determine exactly how to implement the court's directions. The primary focus will be on deciding how fencing and boundary walls can be effectively set up across the North Campus.
"North Campus is currently an open area with several colleges operating within it," the official explained. "Our goal is to develop a practical and feasible plan to address this issue comprehensively."
The Delhi University administration, with assistance from municipal authorities, plans to relocate stray dogs from the campus. These animals will be moved to animal shelters to be established by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.
Safety Awareness and Administrative Roles
The newly notified SOPs also outline crucial awareness measures for students, staff, and visitors. These measures are designed to reduce the risk of dog bites. Key advice includes:
- Recognizing a dog's body language to understand its mood.
- Avoiding unfamiliar dogs and giving them space.
- Not disturbing animals while they are sleeping or eating.
- Teaching children how to behave safely around dogs.
The guidelines advise people to stay calm during encounters with stray dogs. They also list specific steps to take in case of a dog attack.
To oversee this initiative, Delhi University has appointed specific nodal officers. The Chief Security Officer will be responsible for:
- Overseeing the installation of fencing, boundary walls, and gates.
- Managing round-the-clock vigilance to prevent stray dogs from entering or living on campus.
Meanwhile, the Sanitary Inspector will handle maintaining cleanliness across the university grounds to deter animals.
Expanding the Initiative to South Campus
University officials confirmed that these Standard Operating Procedures will not be limited to North Campus. They will also be implemented on the South Campus, which is similarly an open area with colleges spread across a vast stretch of land.
Other universities are taking similar action. Institutions like Jamia Millia Islamia have also appointed their own nodal officers for the same purpose of managing stray animals and enhancing campus safety according to the Supreme Court's framework.
