Directs strict safety measures in all educational, health institutions
BUDGAM, NOVEMBER 24: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, Tuesday convened a detailed review meeting of the District Level Committee (DLC), to assess the implementation of the directions issued by the Supreme Court of India regarding stray dog menace in educational and health institutions here in the New Conference Hall of DC Office Budgam.
As per the directives of the Supreme Court, the Court has expressed grave concern over the threat posed by stray dogs to school children and has issued explicit directions to ensure the safety of students and staff within all educational premises.
During the meeting, the DC underscored that compliance with the Court’s directions must be ensured in letter and spirit and emphasized that the safety and welfare of children is an absolute administrative priority. He remarked that matters under direct judicial monitoring require strict accountability and that no delay, negligence, or procedural lapse would be tolerated.
The DC reviewed the preparedness of all departments and directed that immediate administrative measures be taken across government and recognized private educational institutions.
Chief Education Officer was directed to nominate a Nodal Officer responsible for the sanitation, upkeep, and cleanliness of the institution.
The DC directed the CEO to ensure that no stray dogs enter or remain within school campuses and must coordinate with local authorities wherever interventions are required.
During the meeting, the DC also issued a series of specific instructions to further strengthen the district-wide response to stray dog management. He directed the Municipal Committees of Budgam for construction of separate shelter sheds and quarantine centres for dogs and instructed immediate identification of suitable land parcels within one week, ensuring that the locations remain away from populated areas.
He discussed in detail the modus operandi to be followed strictly as per the Animal Welfare Rules, 2023.
The DC also directed the immediate operationalisation of Animal Birth Control (ABC) setups in the all Municipalities of Budgam.
He further directed implementation of Standard Operating Procedures for shelter sheds and ABC measures in rural areas through cluster formation. He said that five clusters will be operationalised, and the ACD was instructed to frame a pragmatic blueprint within the next two weeks.
The DC also directed formulation of an inventory of public places, including schools, colleges, and hospitals, to ensure perimeter strengthening so that no stray dogs are present within these campuses, as such presence can pose a threat to children.
He further directed the CMO to ensure availability of Anti-Rabies Vaccination (ARV) and immunoglobulins in all 24×7 health setups.
The DC directed Chief Education Officer and Heads of Colleges to chalk out detailed awareness programmes related to dog menace, including Dos and Don’ts concerning dog bites and protocol management.
The DC stressed that schools must organise awareness activities for students, teachers, and non-teaching staff on safe behaviour, preventive actions, and ways to avoid stray dog encounters. He also highlighted the need for strengthened preventive mechanisms, including proper waste management, boundary inspections, and routine monitoring of vulnerable areas within school premises.
He further stated that the district administration is committed towards eliminating all risk factors around educational institutions and that the collective efforts of all departments would ensure visible and measurable results on the ground.
The DC directed all stakeholders to maintain close inter-departmental coordination, conduct regular inspections, promptly plug any existing gaps, and ensure time-bound implementation of Supreme Court directions. He instructed that updated compliance and Action Taken Reports be submitted within the stipulated timeline for further review at district level.
Besides SDM Beerwah Taufeeq Gazi; CPO Budgam, ACD, ACP, CEO, CMO, CEO MC Budgam, DYSP Hqs, DAHO, DYSSO, Executive Officers of the Municipal Committees of Chadoora, Charar-i-Sharief, Magam, Khansahib, and Beerwah attended the meeting.
