Commissioner SMC inspects Animal Birth Control facilities at Tengpora, Shuhama, Chatterhama

Srinagar, Jul 18: In a significant move aimed at reinforcing animal welfare and public health infrastructure in Srinagar, Fazlul Haseeb, Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), undertook an inspection tour of multiple Animal Birth Control (ABC) facilities in the city Friday. The visit was part of SMC’s ongoing efforts to ensure efficient and humane management of the stray dog population under the guidelines of the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI).
Commissioner SMC was accompanied by Joint Commissioner (Administration), Joint Commissioner (Works), Health Officer, and Executive Engineers of the Corporation during the inspection.
The Commissioner first visited the ABC Centre at Tengpora, which is fully functional and plays a critical role in carrying out sterilization and vaccination of stray dogs. The facility is equipped with dedicated operation theatres, post-operative care units, and recovery kennels. Haseeb interacted with the veterinary and support staff and reviewed the procedural workflow, ensuring that all operations are being conducted in compliance with animal welfare norms.
He then proceeded to the ABC Centre at Shuhama, a key institutional support unit in collaboration with the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences at SKUAST-Kashmir. The Commissioner appreciated the collaborative efforts of SMC and SKUAST in delivering quality veterinary services and highlighted the importance of continued inter-agency coordination for effective implementation of ABC protocols.
The final leg of the inspection covered the under-construction ABC facility at Chatterhama, where nearly 80% of the work has already been completed. The new center is being developed as a state-of-the-art unit with multiple operation tables, holding areas, and enhanced sanitation and waste disposal mechanisms. Commissioner Haseeb issued directions for expediting the remaining work and instructed the engineering and animal husbandry teams to ensure the project is completed within the stipulated timeframe, with strict adherence to quality standards.
During the inspection, the Commissioner reiterated the importance of ABC facilities not only as a means of stray dog population control but also as a critical component of public safety, urban sanitation, and humane animal care. He expressed satisfaction over the progress made and assured that SMC is committed to scaling up its ABC infrastructure in line with the city’s growing needs.
He also emphasized community awareness and the role of citizens in supporting these initiatives by reporting stray dog hotspots and cooperating with field teams during capture and release operations.
These visits are part of a broader SMC initiative to modernize civic infrastructure, promote animal welfare, and strengthen the city’s preparedness in handling zoonotic disease risks in urban environments.