Govt asks ULB’s to feed stray animals during lockdown

Due to the resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in lockdown in the state which is from 5th May to 19th May, thousands of stray animals in Odisha are having a hard time finding food leading to starvation and other consequential issues. In view of this, the state government has asked all civil bodies to make necessary provisions of food for stray animals during the lockdown period.

In a letter to all the Municipal Commissioners, Municipalities and NACs, the government has also advised all urban local bodies in the State to meet the expenditure out of the funds available with them from various sources. The aim is to ensure the welfare of stray animals and minimize their aggressive behavior due to starvation.

The per day expenditure set for the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is Rs 20,000; for that Berhampur, Cuttack, Rourkela, and Sambalpur Municipal Corporation is Rs 10,000 each; for all Municipalties is Rs 5,000. While the per day expenditure for all NACs is Rs 2,000 per day.