New Delhi: As part of its plan to establish dog shelters across all its zones, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has identified a 6-acre plot in Mukundpur, a portion of which will be developed into a shelter for stray dogs.MCD plans to use nearly half of the land to house aggressive stray dogs picked up from neighbouring areas, while the remaining area will be developed into a dog crematorium and an animal birth control sterilisation centre.“The land belongs to MCD and has been handed over to the veterinary department for developing the facility. We are preparing the project plan before finalising the cost and other modalities,” an official said.The move comes soon after the civic body signed a memorandum of understanding with the GMR Group to construct its first dedicated dog shelter on a 2.5-acre plot in Sector 29, Dwarka. The shelter, expected to become operational by the end of Nov, will have the capacity to accommodate around 1,500 stray dogs and is estimated to cost over Rs 3.7 crore. With GMR as the funding partner, construction is expected to begin next month.“We will construct the Dwarka and Mukundpur shelter in a manner that allows vertical expansion in the future if required. As directed by the court, a large open area will be kept for the recreation of stray dogs. At these centres, isolated kennel-based accommodation for biting and attacking dogs, as well as rabid dogs, will be provided separately as per guidelines. Overall, at Mukundpur, nearly 4,500 dogs can be kept at a time. Once the facilities are ready, eligible NGOs with adequate expertise will be invited to operate the complexes,” the official said.In May, the Supreme Court upheld its directions asking states to remove stray dogs from institutional areas such as schools, hospitals and public transport hubs. The court observed that citizens have a fundamental right to move safely in public spaces and sought details of measures being taken by civic agencies to tackle the stray dog issue while ensuring compliance with animal welfare norms.MCD officials said discussions are also underway with Delhi govt to identify space within its veterinary hospitals to set up similar facilities.
