‘NMC to start mass sterilization of strays soon’

What is the reason behind the massive rise in stray dog population in Nagpur?
The numbers grew since mass sterilization could not be carried out. Before the Covid pandemic, we had sent a proposal for the same to the state government which was approved too. But it was put on hold during the pandemic. Before Covid too, we had initiated the process for animal birth control (ABC) programme but some local NGOs had raised objections against the organizations that were selected to implement sterilization.
Amid the on-going debate on stray dog menace, how does the civic body plans to handle the crisis?
Our immediate plan is to re-start the process of mass sterilization. We will be calling for expression of interest (EOI) this week itself. Eligible organizations across India can partake in it. We plan to perform sterilization of about 90,000 dogs within three years. The cost of performing ABC operation has been fixed by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and we will be sticking to it. Though the funds for sterilization are yet to be dispersed by the state, we will not wait for them and start the process immediately. To ensure that more number of dogs are operated in a short span of time, we are willing to give the tender to more than one organization, provided they meet the set eligibility criteria. Multiple ABC centres will also be set-up.
There have been growing protests against the recent order of Nagpur bench of Bombay high court on feeding strays. What is Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s (NMC) message for animal lovers?
As a civic body, we appeal to all the citizens to follow the directives issued by the court. We would also like call upon animal welfare organization to support our sterilization programme and work with us to find an effective solution. Local activists and NGOs can help us in the selection process by recommending good organizations, from any city, which can perform ABC programme here. As a civic body, we care about both – human and animal lives.