Nagpur: In a major initiative to manage and care for stray dogs in the city, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has approved a budget of ₹6.89 crore for the development of a modern dog shelter centre in the Wathoda area.

The proposed facility will be spread across 3 acres and will have the capacity to accommodate around 200 stray dogs. The project aims to enhance the city’s existing infrastructure for animal welfare, particularly addressing the limitations of the current dog shelter in Wathoda. Acting on the directives of NMC Commissioner and Administrator Dr. Abhijit Chaudhari, the civic body is set to upgrade and expand the shelter with modern amenities.

The upcoming shelter will include separate enclosures for adult dogs and puppies, isolation sheds, a sanitation system, a modern veterinary hospital, play zones, a kitchen, storage areas, and all essential facilities for the wellbeing of animals.

The architectural design of the project has been prepared by Shripad Dube, while project management consultants Axino Capital Services and Shripad Dube Architects have been appointed for its execution.

According to NMC officials, this initiative marks a significant step towards improving the living conditions of stray animals and enhancing the city’s animal welfare infrastructure. The project has received technical approval from the municipal corporation and is expected to begin shortly.