Srinagar, July 17 (JKNS): In a significant step towards strengthening scientific stray animal management and promoting animal welfare, public health, and urban sanitation, Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Mr. Faz Lul Haseeb, IAS, on Friday conducted a comprehensive inspection of the Integrated Animal Birth Control (ABC) Centre and Cattle Pond at Tengpora to assess the functioning of the Corporation’s dedicated facilities and review ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing their operational efficiency.
The Commissioner was accompanied by the Joint Commissioner (Administration), Executive Engineers, DFO SMC, Veterinary officers, and other officials of the Corporation.
During the inspection, the Commissioner undertook a detailed review of the Animal Birth Control Programme, including the sterilization and anti-rabies vaccination of stray dogs being carried out in accordance with the Animal Birth Control Rules and the guidelines of the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI).
He also inspected the veterinary hospital, operation theatres, post-operative recovery wards, cattle shelters, quarantine facilities, feeding arrangements, sanitation systems, and other critical infrastructure established at the integrated complex.
Interacting with veterinary professionals and field personnel, the Commissioner emphasized strict adherence to scientific and humane animal welfare protocols and directed the concerned officers to ensure the highest standards of veterinary care, biosecurity, hygiene, and sanitation. He stressed that effective management of stray dogs and cattle is essential for safeguarding public health, controlling rabies, and maintaining a clean and healthy urban environment.
To further strengthen the facility, the Commissioner directed the officers to undertake extensive plantation across the campus to improve its environmental ambience and ecological value. He also instructed that all functional units be provided with proper directional and informational signage to enhance operational efficiency and public accessibility. Further, he called for the establishment of a modern feed preparation and distribution facility supported by a robust inventory and stock management system to ensure timely availability and efficient utilization of animal feed.
Reviewing the overall functioning of the integrated complex, the Commissioner underscored the need for continuous modernization of infrastructure, adoption of best management practices, and optimal utilization of available resources. He directed the officers to ensure regular maintenance of all facilities and develop the centre as a model institution for scientific, humane, and sustainable stray animal management.
Highlighting the importance of the Integrated Animal Birth Control Centre and Cattle Pond, the Commissioner observed that the facility plays a pivotal role in advancing the Corporation’s efforts towards responsible animal welfare, effective rabies control, environmental sustainability, and improved public health. He reaffirmed Srinagar Municipal Corporation’s commitment to upgrading civic infrastructure through innovative systems, modern veterinary facilities, and citizen-centric governance.
The inspection forms part of the Corporation’s ongoing initiative to strengthen urban civic services, promote humane management of stray animals, and build a cleaner, safer, healthier, and more sustainable Srinagar. (JKNS)