GMC kicks off Project Sahajeevan to foster human-animal coexistence

Guwahati: The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has launched Project Sahajeevan, an initiative aimed at enhancing coexistence between humans and animals in the city that features, for the first time, an electric pet crematorium that will provide residents a respectful and eco-friendly way to say goodbye to their companion animals.The project — built on the ‘One Health’ approach that recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health — aims to promote sustainable and humane management of street and companion animals within Guwahati, minimise human-animal conflicts through data-driven and community-based interventions and build awareness among citizens about responsible pet ownership and compassion towards animals.The project encompasses activities like vaccination and sterilisation programmes, public awareness campaigns, and capacity building of local volunteers.According to an official statement, GMC will conduct a month-long intensive campaign across all wards, in co-operation with the respective ward commissioner, NGO, citizens and officials. The campaign is scheduled to start on Thursday at ward no-31 Kalibari at Paltan Bazar from 6am.One of the project’s other most innovative features is the ‘Citizen Science Programme’, which invites residents to document urban biodiversity using their smartphones to capture geo-tagged photographs of local flora and fauna — including street dogs, rhesus macaques, and other species. GMC stated that the data collected will help in population mapping and behaviour analysis, which will guide its animal management strategies.In addition, GMC has urged all pet dog owners to register their pets through the Sewa Setu Portal. “This registration is mandatory and will assist in ensuring effective vaccination coverage, better monitoring, and responsible pet ownership,” the urban body said.Asa way forward, GMC will conduct a month-long intensive campaign across all wards, in co-operation with the respective ward Commissioner, NGO, citizens and officials. The month-long campaign under Project Sahajeevan begins on Oct 30 at Kalibari, Paltan Bazar, Ward 31. GMC will work with ward commissioners, NGOs, and volunteers to roll out vaccination drives, awareness programmes, and community engagement activities citywide.