SRINAGAR: Deputy Commissioner Budgam Dr Bilal Mohi Ud Din Bhat on Tuesday directed the Assistant Commissioner Development to submit a detailed district plan for stray dog control measures within two weeks, in compliance with Supreme Court directions issued to safeguard schoolchildren and hospital staff from stray dog attacks.
He said that strict adherence to judicial monitoring was mandatory and stressed that no negligence or procedural lapse would be tolerated.
The Supreme Court has already flagged serious concern over attacks on children and asked authorities nationwide to ensure dog free educational premises. During a review meeting of the District Level Committee, the DC ordered immediate action across all government and recognised private institutions in Budgam.
The Chief Education Officer has been told to nominate a Nodal Officer responsible for sanitation, waste management and perimeter checks in every school, while coordinating with local authorities wherever interventions are required. A district wide inventory of schools, colleges and hospitals will be compiled to ensure perimeter strengthening so that stray dogs do not enter campuses.
Municipal Committees have been instructed to identify land within one week for the construction of dog shelter sheds and quarantine centres away from residential areas. The DC said Animal Birth Control centres must become fully operational in every municipality. Rural areas will follow a cluster based approach with five clusters to be established.
The Chief Medical Officer has been directed to maintain the availability of anti rabies vaccines and immunoglobulins in all round the clock health facilities. Heads of institutions have been told to conduct awareness programmes on dog bite prevention, safe behaviour and reporting protocols.
Bhat said the administration is committed to eliminating risk factors around educational institutions and demanded close coordination between departments, regular inspections and timely compliance reports for further review at district level.
Officials from Education, Health, Rural Development, Municipal Committees and Police attended the meeting.
