Bhubaneswar: At least 18 institutions under the social security and empowerment of persons with disabilities (SSEPD) department do not have boundary walls, leaving inmates vulnerable to stray dog attacks and the entry of other animals.Besides, two institutions do not have permanent functional gates, while three are not following proper waste-management practices, increasing the risk of stray dogs entering their premises.The deficiencies were identified after the SSEPD department collected information on infrastructure and preventive measures from 376 institutions functioning under the jurisdiction of its district social security officers (DSSOs). The exercise was undertaken in compliance with the Supreme Court’s directions in a suo motu writ petition concerning the prevention of dog-bite incidents and management of stray dogs in institutional premises.The 18 institutions without boundary walls are spread across Balasore, Bhadrak, Balangir, Boudh, Deogarh, Kalahandi, Kendrapara and Subarnapur.The problem is compounded by gaps in access control at two institutions in Bhadrak and Deogarh, which do not have permanent functional gates. The department has ordered the installation of permanent gates at the earliest, noting that their absence allows unrestricted entry of stray dogs and other animals into the campuses.Besides inadequate physical barriers, the department has also flagged poor waste management as another factor attracting stray dogs. Three institutions in Jajpur and Kalahandi were found violating proper waste management practices, with the department noting that this was resulting in frequent intrusion of stray dogs. The authorities have been directed to ensure proper waste disposal and strict compliance with the prescribed practices.SSEPD director Parul Patawari has directed the DSSOs concerned to take immediate corrective measures and coordinate with the respective grantee organisations and institution authorities. They have also been asked to submit an action taken report (ATR) on the identified deficiencies to the department for filing a compliance affidavit before the Orissa high court.Last Nov, SC had directed state authorities and public institutions to secure high-footfall premises such as schools and hospitals with adequate boundary walls, fences and gates to prevent stray animal entry.
