BBMP launches Rs 2.88-crore plan to feed chicken, rice to 5000 stray dogs
Bengaluru: In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has rolled out a Rs 2.88-crore annual programme to feed non-vegetarian meals—chicken and rice—to around 5,000 stray dogs in few areas of the city.
The civic body aims to curb the city’s rising dog bite cases, currently ranging from 500 to 1,500 per month, through this dog-feeding plan, as reported by Deccan Herald on Friday.
The BBMP will spend Rs 22 per dog per day, which includes transportation and distribution costs. The budget reportedly covers around 5,000 street dogs, including transportation costs.
“Many people find the initiative amusing, but it is not. We have consulted experts before drawing up the plan,” DH quoted BBMP Special Commissioner Suralkar Vikas Kishore as saying. He noted that the programme would be implemented in areas with frequent dog bite incidents.
Previously, BBMP had urged citizens to voluntarily feed strays at their own expense. However, with limited public participation, the civic body decided to allocate funds directly for the programme.
The move has sparked mixed reactions. Critics argue that BBMP should focus on core civic issues rather than animal feeding. Dog lovers, however, have welcomed the initiative.
Prema Prasad, a Koramangala resident who feeds over 150 dogs daily, said it had become very expensive to feed street dogs, and BBMP’s intervention was a positive step. “So far, the civic body’s animal husbandry wing has spent money on many unnecessary activities. This is a much-needed change,” DH quoted her as saying.
“When dogs have full stomachs, conflicts are reduced. We must treat them as our own,” she said, urging BBMP to also consider providing small shelters to ensure the animals' safety and well-being.
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Worker’s body reaches Ranchi from Saudi 4 months after death; family rejects over compensation
Ranchi (PTI): The body of a migrant worker from Jharkhand’s Giridih district killed in Saudi Arabia in October last year has arrived at Ranchi Airport, but his family refused to accept it over pending compensation, officials said.
Shikha Lakra, team leader of the state migrant control cell, told PTI that, before taking the body of Vijay Kumar Mahato, the family is demanding compensation from the private company where he used to work in the Arab country.
Mahato was killed in an alleged crossfire between the police and criminals.
“Since it was a bullet injury case, the matter is before a court in Jeddah. The final compensation may depend on the court’s decision,” Lakra said.
“The Indian Embassy informed us about the body’s arrival, and coordination was done with district authorities. Our role is limited to coordination in cases involving overseas employers and foreign jurisdiction,” she added.
Giridih Deputy Commissioner Ram Niwas Yadav said the authorities will try to convince the family to perform the last rites.
“We have already sanctioned Rs 5 lakh under the government scheme for migrant’s deaths abroad. The compensation payment might take some time,” he said.
The body is currently at the mortuary of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi.
The Family members said they will only accept it if the company provides written assurance regarding compensation. “Without that assurance, we will not receive the body,” said Ram Prasad Mahato, the deceased’s brother-in-law.
Mahato, a native of Dudhpaniya village in Madh Gopali panchayat under Dumri block, was employed as a tower line fitter. His family said he was struck by a bullet during a gunfight between local police and an extortion gang and later succumbed to his injuries.
Social activist Sikander Ali said Mahato is survived by his wife, two young sons aged five and three, and elderly parents.
