Pune: Stray Dog Menace in Kondhwa Sparks Action Plan Following Resident Meeting

Kondhwa, 12th December 2024: The increasing stray dog menace in the K Raheja Circle area has become a cause of concern for residents, with four dog bite incidents reported recently. A meeting held at the circle saw participation from around 40 residents, including prominent social worker and former corporator Ashok Mehendale, and Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) Health Inspector Navnath Shelar. The gathering aimed to address the growing issues of stray dogs, unauthorized pigeon feeding, and other public safety concerns.

The meeting highlighted the dangers posed by stray dogs, with Mehendale emphasizing the need for immediate action. “Feeding stray dogs is not only a health hazard but also a threat to the safety and security of residents,” he stated.

Residents also raised additional concerns, including the need for enhanced security through CCTV surveillance along the road stretch from VIBGYOR School to Raheja Premier, incidents of open-air drinking, and drug-related activities due to the lack of regular police patrolling.

Key Resolutions from the Meeting
The following actionable steps were agreed upon during the discussion:
Deployment of a Dog Catching Van: A dedicated dog-catching van will be operational in the area for an entire month to address the stray dog issue effectively.
Monitoring and Prevention Efforts: Starting December 13, 2024, the PMC Health Department team will oversee efforts to mitigate stray dog and pigeon feeding issues.
Sterilization and Vaccination Programs: Immediate steps will be taken to control the stray dog population through humane methods, including sterilization and vaccination drives.
Awareness Campaigns: Strict measures and awareness initiatives will be launched to discourage pigeon feeding in public spaces, addressing hygiene and health concerns.
Regular Road Cleanliness: The PMC Health Department has committed to maintaining cleanliness along key stretches in the area to ensure a healthier living environment.

Area resident Sameer A. Chaudhary thanked those who participated in the meeting, highlighting the importance of collective action. “We appreciate the guidance provided by Health Inspector Rajesh Shelar. The active participation of residents is crucial in addressing these challenges effectively,” he said.

Mehendale reiterated the importance of cooperation, stating, “The cooperation of all citizens is essential to maintaining a clean and safe environment. Let us continue working together to implement these solutions effectively. Residents are encouraged to share feedback or suggestions to improve the outcomes.”

The meeting was attended by several prominent individuals, including Imtiaz Naikwadi, Shyam Gangwani, Tarun Ramchandani, Rajesh Namase, Patric Michele, Imran Shaikh, Bhupesh Patil, Col B B Patra, Ajay Mehsharam, Col J Rocque, Prabhat, Quamruddin Khan, Samina Engineer, Yuvaraj Deshmukh, J S Dabhole, Sayed Shakeel, Mayuri Shinde, Abhishekh, and Mariyam Shaikh, among others.

With PMC promising swift and humane action, residents remain hopeful for a safer and cleaner neighborhood. However, the successful implementation of the proposed measures will require continued collaboration between authorities and citizens.