Want relaxed air travel? Pet a puppy at Hyderabad Airport
Hyderabad (PTI): The next time when you walk into Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGAI) here, don’t be surprised if you're greeted by a friendly puppy or even get a chance to pet one.
The GMR Group, which manages the airport, has introduced a "Therapy Dog Program" aimed at enhancing the passenger experience.
The initiative offers calming and joyful interactions, with the belief that the presence of dogs--Toy Poodles in this case-- can ease travel-related anxiety, uplift moods, and create a more welcoming and peaceful airport environment, according to RGIA sources.
Currently, the program which features four well-trained Toy Poodles and accompanied by professional handlers, is in its early stages, and future expansion may be considered based on passenger feedback and operational feasibility, they said.
"The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Passengers have appreciated the calming presence of the dogs. The initiative has been well-received as a thoughtful and comforting addition to the airport experience," sources told PTI.
While the dogs are certified therapy animals and trained for calm behavior, they are always under the supervision of professional handlers. These handlers are equipped to manage any unexpected behavior and ensure the safety and comfort of both the dogs and passengers, they further said.
A passenger who did not want to be identified said, "I was so happy to see them."
"It already feels like I'm beginning to heal. A truly wonderful initiative. Please keep up the amazing work. And a special thanks to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport for helping fund and facilitate this incredible effort."
Having a pet dog brings so much joy and the initiative was a thoughtful and heartwarming one which deserves true appreciation, the passenger added.
Importantly, the dogs are only allowed to interact with passengers who willingly approach them, minimizing stress triggers.
They are stationed at key touch points in both domestic and international departure areas from Friday to Monday, (1500 hours-1900 hours) for approximately four hours.
The city airport witnessed a passenger traffic of 29.5 million during the last financial year.
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Karnataka govt directs municipal corps to regulate, prohibit pigeon feeding
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka government has issued directions to municipal corporations across the state to regulate and prohibit feeding pigeons in public places, citing serious public health concerns.
Deputy Secretary to Government V Lakshmikanth has written to the Urban Development Department requesting it to issue directions to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and all municipal corporations to take immediate steps to implement the measures.
In an official note dated December 16 issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department and released to the media on Wednesday, the department said uncontrolled feeding of pigeons in public places has resulted in large congregations of birds, excessive droppings and serious health concerns, particularly respiratory illnesses linked to prolonged exposure to pigeon droppings and feathers such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis and other lung diseases.
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"The commissioner, the Greater Bengaluru Authority and the Commissioners and chief officers of other municipal corporations shall take necessary action to mitigate the causes of dangerous disease spread by pigeon and enforce specified guidelines in their respective jurisdiction," the note said.
According to the department, these include a prohibition on feeding pigeons or causing pigeons to be fed in areas where it may cause nuisance or pose a health hazard to the public. Pigeon feeding shall be permitted only in designated areas in a controlled manner, subject to certain conditions.
"The designated areas may be selected in consultation with stakeholders. The responsibility for upkeep of the designated areas and compliance to the directions shall be taken up by some charitable organisation or an NGO. The feeding in designated areas shall be permitted only for some limited hours in the day," it said.
The note further stated that authorised officers of local authorities shall issue on-the-spot warnings and may impose fines for violation of the order, or lodge complaints to prosecute offenders under Sections 271 (Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 272 (Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
It also directed local authorities to conduct public awareness campaigns, including the display of signboards, banners and digital messages, explaining the health hazards associated with pigeon droppings and feathers, the content of the regulatory directions and penalties for violations, and alternative humane methods of bird conservation that do not endanger public health.
