MCD to start construction on Rs 3.7 crore stray dog shelter in Sector 29 Dwarka

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is set to begin construction next month on a new 2.5-acre dedicated stray dog shelter in Sector 29, Dwarka. The project, which is being developed in partnership with the GMR Group, is scheduled to become operational by the end of November and will have the capacity to house approximately 1,500 stray dogs to help manage the local canine population.

The upcoming facility in Dwarka is estimated to cost over Rs 3.7 crore. The GMR Group is serving as the funding partner for the project. The civic body recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the GMR Group to formalise the partnership and initiate the development of this first-of-its-kind dedicated shelter.

This initiative is part of the civic body's larger plan to establish dog shelters across all its zones in the city. Alongside the Dwarka project, the MCD has also identified a 6-acre plot of land in Mukundpur to set up its second major stray dog shelter, which will also feature a dog crematorium and an animal birth control sterilisation centre.

The Mukundpur land already belongs to the MCD and has been handed over to its veterinary department for development. Officials are currently preparing the detailed project plan for this second site before finalising the total cost and other modalities.

The MCD plans to use nearly half of the Mukundpur land to house aggressive stray dogs picked up from neighbouring areas. The remaining portion of the 6-acre plot will be developed into the crematorium and the sterilisation centre to provide comprehensive animal care services.

According to MCD officials, both the Dwarka and Mukundpur shelters will be constructed in a manner that allows for vertical expansion in the future if required. This design approach ensures that the facilities can expand their capacity to manage the stray dog population as needs evolve.