Alappuzha’s ABC Centre Stalled Amid Growing Stray Dog Concerns

### Quick Summary
– The delay in opening the Animal Birth Control (ABC) centre at Sea View ward in Alappuzha municipality has sparked public concerns amidst increasing stray dog menace.
– The facility, funded by Alappuzha district panchayat, was completed two years ago but awaits approval from the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI). Approval is stalled due to pending construction of a compound wall.
– Officials aim to expedite the tendering process for the compound wall to seek AWBI approval and fully operationalize the centre.
– Once functioning, it can sterilize up to 20 dogs per day depending on staff availability and veterinary surgeons.
– At a District Progress Committee meeting, P.P.Chitharanjan, MLA, directed officials to hasten pending works for stray dog management initiatives.
– Additional ABC centres are being planned or developed:
– Land identified within Muthukulam block for an ABC centre catering to nearby blocks/municipalities like Haripad and kayamkulam.
– Works progressing on facilities at Pattanakkad for surrounding areas and Mavelikkara municipality alongside respective blocks served by each centre.
– District’s existing ABC facility at Kanichukulangara began operations earlier this year; it has sterilized 380 dogs so far with capacity for up to 10 surgeries daily.

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### Indian Opinion Analysis
The delay in operationalizing crucial infrastructure like the Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres reflects inefficiencies that may exacerbate India’s pressing issue with stray animals. While progress is visible through ongoing works across various locations such as Kanichukulangara or proposed centres like Muthukulam block, timely completion remains critical.By addressing issues such as bureaucratic delays-illustrated by the pending compound wall-the authorities coudl more effectively manage growing public safety concerns stemming from unsupervised stray animal populations. Operational efficiency and proper sterilization facilities not only improve animal welfare but also mitigate risks posed by uncontrolled stray populations including health hazards.

The highlighted efforts point toward satisfying both infrastructural demands per AWBI standards and local needs systematically across regions-though maintaining accountability over project timelines will be essential moving forward.

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