Pawsome: Town's first pet-friendly garden to come up at Cuffe Parade

In a first, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has planned first pet-friendly garden near World Trade Centre at Cuffe Parade. A committee has been formed for the welfare of pets which will also guide the civic body on the development of the garden. The Cuffe Parade Residents Association (CPRA), a group of 49 buildings with 4,500 flats, in both old and new Cuffe Parade area, had suggested two spaces to the BMC which can be transformed into a pet-friendly garden.

First one was behind the Taj President and another one beside the World Trade Centre. The need for pet-friendly gardens came to light after pets were found dirtying the footpaths.

"The pet owners did not clean the poop of their pets from the footpaths, which made it difficult for residents to take a morning stroll. We then proposed an idea to the BMC to develop a pet-friendly garden so that pet owners can have their own space," said Padmakar Nandekar, General Secretary, CPRA. "We have now formed a committee for pet welfare. We will undertake adequate measures for the welfare of animals on behalf of the society," added Nandekar.

Kiran Dighavkar, Assistant Municipal Commissioner of A-ward, confirmed the development.

GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS

• Pet-friendly toys will be made available by BMC
   
• Poop collectors will be provided so that the garden remains clean
   
• A designated feeding point will be allocated