Lack of space derails Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation's stray-sterilisation programme

Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation’s (NMMC) stray sterilisation programme is moving on a slow track as a result of which the number of strays have increased in the city. The civic earlier carried out the sterilisation programme at a Kopri building, however, after the building was declared unsafe, the work is being temporary carried out at the dumping ground in Turbhe.

According to civic records, 3,058 persons were bitten by stray dogs from April-June. “The number of cases of dog bite is on the rise in the satellite city. Those returning late in the night are the most terrorised by strays.

“The strays start running behind your two-wheeler even if there is no provocation. This can lead to accidents,” said Suresh Kumar, a resident of Belapur.

According to a civic official, “Due to lack of proper space, only one sterilisation centre is functioning, and hence the civic body is finding it very tough to control population of strays. Normally, in a month at least 1,000 sterilisation operations should take place, however, only around 500 operations are taking place.”

The count of strays in the year 2007 was approximately 35,550, after which they were not counted again. Sources, however, said the number could have doubled in six years.

Residents say that NMMC should double the sterlise double the number of strays than now to make the results visible.

A civic official added, “We have made anti-rabies vaccine available in civic hospital and all the health centres.”