Hubballi Corporators Raise Alarm Over Stray Dog Menace and Shelter Capacity
In a recent meeting of the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC), corporators from the twin cities voiced significant concerns regarding the escalating stray dog menace. The discussion centered around a proposed dog shelter with a capacity of merely 300 animals, prompting officials to question the fate of the estimated 40,000 stray dogs roaming the urban areas.
Debate Over Sterilization Costs and Dog Categories
HDMC Commissioner Rudresh Ghali provided details on a tender floated for catching stray dogs and implementing an animal birth control program. This initiative includes anti-rabies vaccination and deworming at a total cost of Rs 1.9 crore. The negotiated unit price was set at Rs 1,665 per dog for 12,000 dogs, covering expenses from catching and transportation to pre-operation and post-operation care.
However, BJP corporator Veeranna Savadi raised pointed questions about the logistics. He wondered why dogs are dropped back at their place of origin after sterilization and questioned the necessity of constructing a shelter at Shivalli with such limited capacity. Commissioner Ghali clarified that the shelter is reserved exclusively for stray dogs and can accommodate only 300 animals at a time.
Confusion and Humor Over 'Institutional Dogs'
The meeting took a humorous turn when Commissioner Ghali mentioned that sterilization would also be carried out for 'institutional dogs.' Opposition leader Imamhusen Eligar, along with ruling party corporators including Anchatageri and Savadi, immediately inquired about the meaning of this term.
Ghali explained that institutional dogs refer to those found on premises such as hospitals, railway stations, bus stands, and educational institutions. In response, the corporators laughed and argued that dogs do not restrict themselves to specific premises but wander freely across the city. This exchange highlighted the practical challenges in categorizing and managing stray animals.
Legal Mandates and Practical Criticisms
Commissioner Ghali reiterated that the animal birth control program is being implemented as per the Supreme Court's directions. He remained firm on this stance, noting that it follows the guidance of the Animal Welfare Board of India. However, Savadi criticized the plan as impractical and suggested inviting the board to understand the ground reality in Hubballi-Dharwad.
Adding to the debate, AIMIM corporator Nazeer Ahmed Honyal humorously questioned whether stray dogs have Aadhaar cards to track their movements. Despite the criticisms, Deputy Mayor Chawan issued a ruling to prioritize dog sterilization in phases, emphasizing the urgency of the issue.
Mayor's Gown Controversy Reemerges
In a separate but notable incident, the controversy over the mayor's traditional gown resurfaced. Congress corporator Mohammed Iqbal Navalur questioned why Deputy Mayor Chawan was not wearing the gown during the meeting. This issue had previously made headlines in 2022 when then mayor Iresh Anchatageri refused to wear it, leading to a cancelled general body meeting.
Chawan, Anchatageri, and other BJP corporators clarified that the Urban Development Department secretary had stated the gown is not a legal mandate but a tradition. They added that it is left to the discretion of the mayor. Congress corporators criticized the BJP for not adhering to this tradition, sparking further political debate.
Apology Over Official Information Errors
During the meeting, Deputy Commissioner (Admin) Anuradha Vastrad apologized for providing incorrect details about some officials. Congress corporator Mohammed Iqbal Navalur had sought information on certain officials, and upon review, pointed out factual errors in the shared details.
Vastrad, who joined HDMC just last week, apologized and committed to verifying the correct information. This incident underscored the importance of accuracy in municipal records and transparency in governance.
Toy Train Set to Resume Operations
In a positive development, HDMC Commissioner Ghali announced that the toy train, which had been non-operational, will resume service within two days. Responding to a question from BJP corporator Tippanna Majjagi, Ghali explained that the previous contractor had failed to repair the train, leading to their blacklisting.
The municipal corporation has since undertaken the repairs independently, ensuring that the popular attraction will soon be back in operation for residents and visitors alike.
