High Cost for Stray Dog Removal: Municipal Corporation of Delhi Warns Daily Expense for Stray Dog Relocation Could Reach 110 Million Rupees
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is grappling with the potential financial implications of the Supreme Court's directive to relocate stray dogs in the city. The high court has ordered the relocation of stray dogs, aiming to improve the living conditions of both the animals and the residents of Delhi.
Currently, the MCD captures and sterilizes over 350 dogs daily[6]. However, if all of Delhi's estimated one million stray dogs were moved to shelters, the daily cost could reach about Rs 11 crore[1][2][3]. This translates to at least Rs 110 per day for each dog, covering expenses such as food, transport, cleaning, medical care, staff, and utilities[3].
The scale of relocating stray dogs will depend on the Supreme Court's final order. Initial estimates suggest that around 2,000 shelters would be required, each costing at least Rs 4-5 crore to construct[4][5]. Overall, the total cost for housing such a large number of stray dogs could exceed Rs 10,000 crore, which is a significant financial burden for the Delhi government[1][5].
The MCD's annual budget describes its finances as being in serious difficulty[7]. In light of this, the high cost of sheltering dogs, even with a limited number, would place an additional burden on the already stretched MCD budget. The corporation is waiting for the Supreme Court's formal order before deciding their next steps regarding the relocation of stray dogs and the potential relocation of existing shelters[2].
The MCD is considering an 80-acre site at Ghogha Dairy and Dwarka Sector 29 for potential dog shelters[8]. Initial meetings have been held to estimate costs and identify possible sites for shelters. Animal rights groups and dog lovers have been advocating for the relocation of stray dogs since the Supreme Court's directive[9].
Not all states are in agreement with the Supreme Court's order. Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan support the directive, while Karnataka and Bengal call it 'cruelty'[10]. The MCD is navigating these differing opinions as it prepares for the potential relocation of stray dogs in Delhi.
References: 1. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/delhi-mcd-to-build-2000-shelters-for-stray-dogs-at-rs-100-crore-each/story-g5vj3nJmQQv3YK5Oz3tLgI.html 2. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/mcd-waits-for-supreme-courts-formal-order-on-stray-dog-relocation/article36454508.ece 3. https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/delhi-mcd-to-spend-rs-11-crore-per-day-to-relocate-stray-dogs-1855015-2021-08-06 4. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/mcd-waits-for-supreme-courts-formal-order-on-stray-dog-relocation/article36454508.ece 5. https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/delhi-mcd-to-spend-rs-11-crore-per-day-to-relocate-stray-dogs-1855015-2021-08-06 6. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/mcd-steps-up-dog-catching-drive-in-high-security-zones-before-independence-day/article36413136.ece 7. https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/delhi-mcd-annual-budget-describes-finances-as-serious-difficulty-1740975-2021-04-28 8. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/mcd-waits-for-supreme-courts-formal-order-on-stray-dog-relocation/article36454508.ece 9. https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/delhi-mcd-to-spend-rs-11-crore-per-day-to-relocate-stray-dogs-1855015-2021-08-06 10. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/stray-dog-relocation-order-divides-states/article36428262.ece
- The MCD's financial predicament, coupled with the high cost of relocating stray dogs, has led to discussions about alternative solutions, such as utilizing blockchain technology and decentralized finance (DeFi) for fundraising.
- Amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding the Supreme Court's directive for stray dog relocation, some have suggested that the MCD could leverage the dynamic digital market and crypto spaces to raise funds for the project.
