BMC seeks NGOs to build & run stray dog shelters in Mumbai

Mumbai: The BMC extended the deadline for submission of Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for establishing dog shelters at three locations in Mumbai on a Design-Build-Operate-Transfer (DBOT) model after receiving a poor response, while it also identified another plot of land in Mulund to accommodate stray dogs picked up from public institutions.The proposed shelters are planned at Malad, Chembur and Malvani to house stray dogs removed from institutions such as schools, hospitals, bus depots, railway premises and govt offices.As per directives of the Supreme Court, the BMC is required to remove stray dogs found within or around sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals, bus depots, railway stations, public parks, tourist spots, govt offices, religious premises and stadiums, among others. Civic officials said the BMC's veterinary health department may be among the first in the state to conduct a survey of stray dogs within institutional premises.Through a recent tender, the BMC proposed setting up animal shelters and sterilisation centres on BMC-owned land at three locations: a 1,257.50 sq m plot near the MHADA colony at Ekta Nagar in Malad (West), an 8,411 sq m plot at Anik Gaon in Chembur, and a 30,000 sq m plot at Malvani in Malad (West).Apart from these locations, the BMC's development plan department identified a 3,000 sq m plot on Mithagar Road in Mulund East for accommodating stray dogs picked up from institutions. The site currently houses a solid waste management (SWM) facility, and further approvals are required before the land can be allotted for the purpose.The BMC invited proposals from eligible NGOs and agencies registered with the Animal Welfare Board of India for DBOT-based development, operation, maintenance and lifetime care of stray dogs at the proposed shelters and animal birth control centres. The selected NGOs will be required to provide adequate shelter, food, medical treatment, postoperative care and lifetime protection for dogs that are unfit to be released back into the open.Under the proposal, the NGO will be responsible for designing, constructing, operating and maintaining the shelters at its own cost. The BMC will identify and transport stray dogs from institutions and sensitive premises to the shelters and reimburse the maintenance costs to the NGO.