Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda has directed officials to set up animal crematoria across city corporations to support massive sterilization drives. He also took strict action against negligence in street lighting maintenance.

  • Direction to establish animal crematoria in four city corporations lacking facilities.
  • Annual target of approximately 80,000 Animal Birth Control (ABC) surgeries.
  • Executive Engineer H.V. Ramesh suspended for dereliction of duty regarding streetlights.
  • Questions raised over redundant electricity pole installation under B-SMILE project.

Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda has directed officials to take immediate steps to establish animal crematoria in the four city corporations that currently lack such facilities. The Minister emphasized that these facilities are crucial as the city scales up its stray dog sterilization programs.

According to official data, approximately 280 stray dogs undergo Animal Birth Control (ABC) surgeries every day, totaling nearly 7,000 surgeries a month. This scales up to an expected 80,000 surgeries annually. However, the Minister noted a significant infrastructure gap: Bengaluru currently possesses only one animal crematorium, located at Sumanahalli. To support the expanded ABC operations, he also ordered an increase in the number of kennels.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that as urban centers like Bengaluru expand, the management of stray animal populations requires a holistic approach. Effective sterilization must be paired with dignified and hygienic disposal methods to maintain public health and urban sanitation standards.

'Urban planning must evolve to include animal welfare infrastructure to ensure a sustainable and compassionate coexistence within growing metropolitan areas.'

During the review of development works, Minister Gowda also criticized the B-SMILE officials regarding the installation of electricity poles under the High Density Corridor project. He observed that while poles should be placed every 20 metres, some stretches had them at intervals of just 5 to 10 metres. He questioned the duplication of work and whether the project was serving the public interest or merely facilitating contractor payments.

In a major disciplinary move, H.V. Ramesh, Executive Engineer (Electrical) of the Central Corporation, was suspended for dereliction of duty. An inspection revealed that out of 222 streetlights on a major stretch between Hudson Circle and Chalukya Circle, only 82 were functional. Despite previous warnings, the failure to maintain essential lighting led to immediate administrative action.

Did You Know?: Bengaluru aims to perform nearly 80,000 sterilization surgeries on stray dogs annually to manage the population effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Why are new animal crematoria being requested?
Answer: To handle the remains of stray dogs following the massive scale of annual sterilization surgeries (ABC) in the city.

Question 2: What was the issue with the B-SMILE project?
Answer: Improper spacing of electricity poles and potential duplication of work causing unnecessary costs.