While a high court order has put the fate of lakhs of strays in the hands of the municipal corporation, the civic body is feeling extremely generous towards pet dogs.
While a high court order has put the fate of lakhs of strays in the hands of the municipal corporation, the civic body is feeling extremely generous towards pet dogs.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to develop a special walking track for dogs at a garden plot at Link Road, Dahisar.
Covering an area of 1,500 sq ft, the dog walk will be located on one side of the 1.7 lakh sq ft park. A bigger walking track is also planned for humans to be set up opposite the dog space.
Local corporator Sheetal Mhatre said that many families residing in societies near the garden owned pets. “The BMC fines people for not cleaning up after their dogs. Even our pets deserve their bit of public space. So we thought of the dog walk,” said Mhatre, who owns three pets. According to the census by state government, the city has around 27,000 pet dogs.
Animal activist Deepa Katyal claimed that it was essential to have public spaces reserved for dogs. “Just like people, dogs also need such spaces for recreation. If more such places are provided, then exercising and taking care of your pet will become easier.” Such places also helped dogs socialise with their furry friends, she added.
Apart from the walking track, the park will also have a skating track and separate play areas for children. Jeevan Singh of Hirani Enterprises, the company that has been entrusted the job, said that the garden would also have an amphitheatre.
The cost for sprucing up the plot is around Rs6 crore. It will be beautified using trees, said Singh. While the garden beautification proposal has already got administrative approval, it is expected to be tabled before the political leadership in the coming weeks. “After getting the work order, it will take us at least a year to complete the work,” said Singh.
Nearly a year ago, pet lovers in Bandra and the Bandra West Residents Association had locked horns over a green patch on the Carter Road promenade which was finally made into a dog park. A similar dog park is being planned in Powai as well.
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