Jammu, Dec 11: The Jammu and Kashmir Housing and Urban Development Department on Thursday ordered all urban local bodies (ULBs) to map and secure schools, hospitals, stadiums, and major transport hubs from stray dog entry within two weeks. Mandatory three-month inspections and humane ABC-based removal of stray dogs have also been directed, along with a 30-day compliance report.
In a circular issued by Commissioner-Secretary Mandeep Kaur, ULBs across the Union Territory were instructed to immediately enforce measures mandated by the Supreme Court for managing stray dogs in institutional zones. The circular requires a two-week exercise to identify all government and private institutions—schools, colleges, hospitals, stadiums, bus stands, ISBTs and railway stations—with special attention to high-risk areas frequented by children.
ULBs have been told to work with district magistrates to complete the identification of institutions within their jurisdictions and assist administrative heads in undertaking structural and administrative steps to secure premises. Institutions must erect or repair boundary walls, install gates and implement measures to prevent dog ingress. Departments must submit budget estimates by December 15, while district magistrates will monitor progress fortnightly.
The circular directs municipal authorities to conduct inspections every three months to ensure no stray dog habitats exist around institutions. It states that removal must follow humane ABC rules, prohibiting cruel methods, poisoning or inhumane treatment, with violations attracting disciplinary action. ULBs must digitally record details of each dog picked up and released.
Commissioners of Jammu and Srinagar municipal corporations and directors of ULBs in both regions must submit a detailed compliance report within 30 days, failing which disciplinary action will follow. (Agencies)
