New Delhi, April 2 To address overcrowding at animal shelters, the MCD has begun construction of additional kennels at a dog sterilization center in southwest Delhi's Najafgarh, officials said on Thursday.
The kennels are expected to accommodate an additional 450 to 500 dogs each month, they said.
The project, being carried out at the Bijwasan sterilization center run by a non-governmental organization (NGO), involves the construction of 14 new kennel units.
"Approximately Rs 28 lakh has been allocated to the engineering department of the Najafgarh zone," an official said, adding that construction began about 15 days ago and is expected to be completed within 60 days.
Each kennel unit, measuring approximately 7 by 8 feet, is being built under a covered truss structure.
"A tin shed will cover the entire plot. There are seven units on each side with a central corridor in between. Grills will be installed up to a height of seven feet," the official said.
He added that the design ensures proper ventilation and protection from weather conditions.
Officials said the expansion is aimed at strengthening the Animal Birth Control (ABC) program by increasing the intake and sterilization capacity of stray dogs.
Meanwhile, the civic body had earlier proposed another shelter at Bella Road with 40 kennels to further enhance capacity at ABC centers.
In January, the MCD had also announced plans to set up kennels at five new centers and expand infrastructure at five existing sterilization facilities to accelerate sterilization and anti-rabies vaccination drives.