News Desk, Kolkata : In the bustling city of Kolkata, the Dog Squad under the Health Department of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation works tirelessly on sterilization and immunization of street dogs. The initiative, funded by the Animal Resource Development Department, aims to control the canine population and prevent waterborne diseases in every ward of the city. However, despite their efforts, the city witnesses a perplexing rise in the number of dogs. With only 144 wards covered, Kolkata Municipal Corporation’s Dog Squad operates with just N vehicles and 25 staff members. The question arises: why is the canine population increasing?
According to health officials, in April 2022, the Animal Resource Development Department allocated one crore rupees for this program, initiating it at Star Theatre. However, back in 2018, the Corporation received 78 lakhs from the same department. Even with substantial financial aid, the control over street dogs seems elusive.
Representatives from the Bharatiya Janata Party, like Minadevi Purohit, have raised concerns about the effectiveness of the program. Purohit, who has repeatedly brought up the issue in municipal assemblies, claims that despite the success of the sterilization and vaccination program in controlling the street dog population, areas like Kalighat, Shyambazar, and Tala still witness an increase in canine presence.
These concerns are echoed by another BJP representative, Bijoy Ojha, who questions why, despite the program’s success, certain areas continue to face challenges with street dogs.
The official stance from the Health Department is that besides sterilization, they are engaged in various other tasks to address the issue. Limited resources, with only N vehicles and 25 staff members under the Dog Squad, hinder their ability to cover the entire city adequately. An official from the Health Department mentions that regular calls are received from 144 wards reporting sick street dogs, but the lack of sufficient personnel and vehicles hampers their ability to respond promptly.
As per municipal records, in 2012, Kolkata had around 52,000 street dogs. However, this number has now surged to nearly 3 lakhs. The situation has led to the hiding of street dogs, making it challenging for the program to be fully effective. The reasons behind the rise in the dog population are not solely due to sterilization challenges but also point towards issues in the adoption of dogs and the method used by the Dog Squad.
Critics, including voluntary organizations working on street dog welfare, claim that the Dog Squad lacks proper training. Allegations have surfaced that squad members often use inadequate methods, such as using a leash around a dog’s neck, making it difficult to lift them into the vehicle or take them to the sterilization center.
Despite the ongoing debate, a top official from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation’s Health Department assures that the sterilization and immunization efforts are consistently taking place without any irregularities.
In conclusion, Kolkata finds itself grappling with a canine conundrum despite substantial financial investments and a dedicated Dog Squad. The rise in street dog numbers raises questions about the effectiveness of the sterilization program and highlights the need for a comprehensive approach, addressing not only population control but also adoption and proper training of personnel. As the city continues to navigate these challenges, finding a sustainable solution to the street dog issue remains a complex task for Kolkata Municipal Corporation.
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