Uttar Pradesh Government Accelerates Animal Birth Control and Shelter Initiatives
In response to the growing concerns over stray dogs and incidents of dog bites throughout Uttar Pradesh, the Yogi Adityanath-led state government has significantly expedited efforts to establish dog shelter homes and animal birth control (ABC) centers. This initiative targets municipal corporations and district headquarters, aiming to implement a comprehensive and humane approach to animal management.
Adherence to Legal and Welfare Standards
The government has emphasized that all activities related to this project are being conducted in strict compliance with Supreme Court directives and established animal welfare protocols. This ensures that the process aligns with legal requirements and ethical standards, prioritizing both public safety and animal well-being.
Infrastructure and Planning Details
Shelter homes will be developed in conjunction with existing or proposed ABC centers within municipal corporation areas. Each municipal corporation has received instructions to allocate suitable land and complete necessary administrative procedures promptly. Additionally, the government has mandated the preparation of separate Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the dog shelter homes.
According to submitted proposals, the estimated cost for each shelter home ranges from Rs 470 lakh to Rs 531 lakh. These DPRs encompass critical components such as:
- Shelter capacity and infrastructure design
- Veterinary care facilities
- Food provision and sanitation systems
- Security measures and deployment of trained personnel
Progress and Implementation Status
At the governmental level, these DPRs have received in-principle approval, and the subsequent phase of implementation has commenced, following the Supreme Court's guidelines. Recent progress reports highlight specific advancements:
- In the Prayagraj Municipal Corporation area, land has been identified at Maur Uparhat village in Soraon tehsil for a dog shelter home.
- The Lucknow Municipal Corporation's Executive Board has approved a proposal regarding land availability.
- Information is being gathered from other municipal corporations to establish a uniform system across Uttar Pradesh.
Furthermore, land identification for ABC centers and dog shelter homes has been completed in several districts, including:
- Lalitpur: 12.182 hectares
- Hardoi: 0.2 hectares
- Bulandshahr: 2,000 square meters
- Fatehpur: 0.769 hectares
The government has stated that processes for land identification and project approval in remaining districts will be finalized as soon as relevant information is received. Efforts are being coordinated to simultaneously handle land identification, budget allocation, and project approvals.
Objectives and Expected Outcomes
The state government's primary goal is to tackle the stray dog problem through humane, scientific, and sustainable methods. By establishing an effective network of shelter homes and ABC centers, the initiative aims to enhance public safety while strengthening animal welfare practices across Uttar Pradesh.
