Commissioner Secretary H&UD reviews Animal Shelters and Welfare Facilities in Jammu

Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu: Commissioner Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, Mandeep Kaur today conducted an extensive tour of various animal shelters in Jammu to review the status of infrastructure, facilities, and the progress of ongoing works.
The shelters inspected included Bandhu Rakh, Chowadi, Bhagwati Nagar, Roopnagar, and the Gaushala (cow shelter) at Panjgrai, Nagrota.
Commissioner, Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), Dr. Devansh Yadav also accompanied the Commissioner Secretary during the tour.
The Commissioner Secretary inspected each location in detail and assessed the overall arrangements for animal care and welfare.
During the inspection, Mandeep Kaur directed the concerned for construction of a new cow shelter at Bandhu Rakh on vacant land belonging to the Jammu Municipal Corporation. The concerned were instructed to initiate necessary action immediately.
The ongoing Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme at Chowadi was also reviewed, and directions were issued to further enhance facilities and strengthen implementation.
At Bhagwati Nagar, where kennels for dogs have already been prepared, instructions were given to commence the Animal Birth Control programme at the earliest.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner Secretary, reviewed renovation works currently underway and directed that waste generated from construction activities be utilized for flooring purposes wherever feasible at Roopnagar Animal Care Centre.
The emphasis was laid on ensuring proper ventilation and making adequate arrangements so that animals do not face inconvenience during extreme summer and winter conditions.
Earlier, Mandeep Kaur reviewed the maintenance and care of animals at the Nagrota Gaushala, which currently houses around 206 cows, bulls, and calves, along with approximately 32 horses. The Jammu Municipal Corporation has made comprehensive arrangements for their care and upkeep.
The Commissioner Secretary visited all five locations to assess animal welfare measures as well as the progress of construction and renovation works, and issued necessary directions to further improve facilities.
Among others, Joint Commissioner Health and Sanitation Abdul Sattar, Director Building Centre Kafeel Firozi, Joint Commissioner Works Firdous Ahmed Qazi, Municipal Veterinary Officer, Dr. Jaswant Singh, Animal Welfare Officer Dr. Gaurav Chaudhary, VAS Dr. Priyanka Malhotra, Executive Engineers, and other concerned field staff accompanied the Commissioner Secretary during the tour.DD