Ahead of a possible surge in dog bite cases, which coincides with the winter, Mayor Malti Rai on Tuesday told officials to step up efforts to rid Bhopal of the dreaded rabies infection.
She said that a campaign should be launched to control the population of stray and pet dogs and to register the canines.
As part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations to control the spread of disease in urban areas, the Government of India launched the National Disease Control Programme, which aims to make member cities free of rabies by 2030.
Rai reviewed the working of the Dog Squad and the preparations being made to control dog bites in view of a potential increase in dog aggression and incidents of dog bites during the cold weather.
She emphasised the importance of capturing more stray dogs and sending them to sterilisation centres, as well as launching a campaign for the registration of pet dogs and strengthening the mechanism for administering anti-rabies shots to the canines.
Rai was speaking at a meeting attended by Additional Commissioner Ranbir Kumar, Mayor in Council (MiC) member RK Singh Baghel, the Corporation’s veterinary officer, health officers, and officials in charge of the civic dog squads.
Advocating for a sustained campaign for the registration of pet dogs between December 18 and 31, the Mayor said action should be taken against pet owners who fail to comply.
Rai also set a daily target for each of the dog squads. Each team will now be responsible for capturing 30 strays and transporting them to Animal Birth Control Centres for sterilisation.
The Mayor further directed officials to strive for better sanitation in their jurisdictions. She said spot fines should be levied on those failing to comply with civic guidelines on the disposal of waste.
Earlier in the day, Rai inspected the municipal sanitation effort at Baba Nagar, Shahpura, Chuna Bhatti, Arera Colony E-7, Lala Lajpat Rai Colony, and 12 Number Stop.
Motivating officials, civic workers, and residents, she said, “This is not just about our rankings, but the overall improvement of the quality of life in Bhopal. Citizens must join hands with us in maintaining cleanliness,” Rai said during the inspection.
