Dog menace in Ahmedabad to be leashed

With its dog sterilisation project moving at snail's pace, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation seems to be focusing on other projects to curb the menace. The civic body will now work on better garbage disposal, as garbage lying around is one reason for the rapid growth in canine population.

Dr Suresh Patel, chairman of the solid waste management committee, said that AMC will set up two solid waste disposal and recycling plants in the near future.

"These plants will come up near Narol, with a capacity of recycling 500 metric tonne (MT) of garbage per day. This will boost the recycling rate of garbage and prevent waste accumulation on roads, thereby reducing canine trouble," said Patel. At present, the AMC recycles 2600 MT of garbage every day.

The chairman of Animal Welfare Board of India, Dr RM Kharb had, on Wednesday, asked the AMC to improve solid waste management in the city.  The committee, in response to the suggestions made by  Kharb, has swung into action and announced its plan for effective garbage collection and disposal.
"I raised this issue during a high-level meeting on Wednesday. We are also ready with our action plan," said Patel, who also represents Narol as a corporator in AMC. "I am also a people's representative and have to keep in mind the problems of my people. It is high time this menace was curbed," he added.

The committee has already approved three garbage transfer stations in different zones. These will work as a temporary dumping ground for all garbage of a particular zone. After receiving garbage from smaller vans and trucks, cranes and lifting machines will put them into bigger trucks.

"Since these transfer stations are enclosed by high walls, dogs won't be able to enter. Moreover, they can store garbage for many days," said Dr Patel. The committee has proposed a station each in north, east and west zone.