RMC identifies 57 feeding zones for stray dogs; new shelter to come up soon

Ranchi: To ensure that stray dogs are fed regularly, the Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) has identified 57 dedicated zones across 53 wards in the city. According to official data, Ranchi has an estimated 34,000 stray dogs.

Dr Kiran Kumari, assistant health officer of RMC, said that these specific areas were identified using inputs from dog lovers who regularly feed strays in each ward, alongside support from ward councillors. She said that the move is designed to ensure both public safety and animal welfare simultaneously.

The designated zones will feature installed paver tiles and boards clearly marking them as official feeding areas. The civic body will provide food and water bowls for feeding the dogs. “The work of installing paver tiles has already commenced, and these feeding zones will be fully operational within a month,” Kumari said.

She added that nodal officers have been appointed to monitor and maintain the zones. Their responsibilities will include ensuring that dogs are fed only at the designated spots and raising an alarm if any dog exhibits aggressive behaviour, allowing for their removal in accordance with the Supreme Court guidelines.

Civic officials also said that the number of feeding zones could be increased in the future, depending on public demand and the density of stray dogs in individual wards.

RMC is also planning to set up a dedicated shelter for dogs. Kumari said, “Under Supreme Court guidelines, dogs must be removed from public premises such as hospitals and schools, or from areas where residents report severe dog menace. To accommodate these animals, the RMC is currently identifying land for the construction of the shelter.”

The proposed shelter will be built on a one-acre plot, with the RMC narrowing down its choices to two potential locations in Bargain and Khelgaon. A final decision on the land is expected within a week.

Kumari said that the shelter will ensure a comfortable stay for the canines, featuring separate areas for feeding, sleeping and play. Separate enclosures will be also constructed based on the aggression levels of the dogs. RMC also plans to host adoption drives at these centres, allowing animal lovers to adopt stray dogs following a strict due diligence process.

To ensure proper medical care for the city’s stray dog population, the corporation is renovating its existing animal hospital located in Chutia. In addition to this, RMC has handed over around 20 decimal of land to the Jharkhand Urban Infrastructure Development Company Limited (JUIDCO) for the establishment of a new animal hospital, Kumari said.