Srinagar, July 18 (KINS): Fazlul Haseeb (IAS), Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), conducted an extensive inspection of Animal Birth Control (ABC) facilities at Tengpora, Shuhama, and Chatterhama today. The inspection aligns with SMC’s ongoing efforts to implement humane and efficient stray dog population management in accordance with the guidelines of the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI).
The Commissioner was accompanied by the Joint Commissioner (Administration), Joint Commissioner (Works), Health Officer, and Executive Engineers of the Corporation.
The visit commenced at the Tengpora ABC Centre, which is fully operational and plays a vital role in the sterilization and vaccination of stray dogs. Equipped with operation theatres, post-operative care units, and recovery kennels, the facility was reviewed in detail by the Commissioner, who interacted with veterinary and support staff and assessed the adherence to established animal welfare protocols.
Next, Mr. Haseeb visited the ABC Centre at Shuhama, operated in collaboration with the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences at SKUAST-Kashmir. He commended the joint efforts of SMC and SKUAST in providing quality veterinary care and emphasized the need for continued inter-agency collaboration for the successful execution of ABC initiatives.
The final leg of the inspection covered the under-construction ABC Centre at Chatterhama, where nearly 80% of the construction work has been completed. The upcoming facility is being developed as a state-of-the-art centre, featuring multiple operation tables, designated holding areas, and advanced sanitation and waste management systems. The Commissioner instructed engineering and animal husbandry teams to expedite the remaining work and ensure timely completion while maintaining strict quality standards.
During the visit, the Commissioner underscored the broader significance of ABC centres—not only as tools for controlling the stray dog population, but also as essential components of public safety, urban hygiene, and humane animal care. He expressed satisfaction with the progress and reaffirmed SMC’s commitment to expanding ABC infrastructure to meet the city’s growing demands.
He also stressed the importance of public participation and awareness, urging citizens to report stray dog hotspots and cooperate with field teams during sterilization and release operations.
These inspections form part of a larger SMC initiative aimed at modernizing civic infrastructure, promoting animal welfare, and enhancing the city’s capacity to manage zoonotic disease risks in urban settings.(KINS)
