As the problem of stray dogs continues to worsen in Belagavi, the much-needed sterilisation drive aimed at controlling their population has once again come to a standstill. Although the Belagavi City Corporation had decided to carry out sterilisation work at a temporary shed in Hirebagewadi, the ground reality tells a different story. Due to the absence of basic amenities such as water, electricity and supporting infrastructure, not a single dog has been sterilised so far.
While the Municipal Corporation had arranged the required machinery and even brought in two trained dog catchers from Assam, work could not begin as the shed was not ready for operations. With no facilities in place, the workers were reportedly forced to return without doing any work. Sources indicate that it may take at least another two to three weeks before the sterilisation drive can actually commence.
Confirming the delay, Environmental Engineer Ashok Kumar Sajjan admitted that sterilisation has not yet started and said the campaign would take some more time, indirectly citing the lack of facilities.
This delay comes at a time when incidents involving stray dogs are reportedly increasing across the city. Citizens have been repeatedly demanding immediate action, but poor planning and weak execution have ensured that the drive remains confined to announcements and files. Corporators had earlier inspected the temporary shed at Hirebagewadi and directed officials to begin sterilisation without delay. The campaign was even announced to have started a week ago, but excuses ranging from partial staff availability to missing basic amenities have followed.
With no clear start date in sight, citizens are now questioning what concrete steps the mayor, commissioner and concerned corporators will take to address the issue. Until the sterilisation drive actually begins, the growing stray dog population — and the sense of insecurity among residents — is likely to persist.
Source: Sakal