Bengaluru: Housing hundreds of stray dogs in shelters near residential areas, forests and waterbodies could leave nearby residents sleepless, attract wild animals and pose risks to public health, a petition challenging the Greater Bengaluru Authority’s (GBA) proposed shelters alleged before the Karnataka high court.Advocate Geetha Misra, who has approached the court, said each shelter is expected to house around 500 dogs. “People need to be aware of how such a large exercise of housing hundreds of dogs near their homes could endanger them. Incessant barking will affect residents’ sleep, while shelters located close to forests could attract wild animals because of the smell and waste generated,” she said.Geetha alleged that the sites are located close to human habitats, forests and waterbodies, contrary to the Supreme Court’s May 19 directions, which stressed anticipatory planning and strict adherence to statutory requirements in matters concerning public health and safety.A shelter built by the Bengaluru North City Corporation at Medi Agrahara is near an upcoming BDA layout that depends on borewell water, while others are located near Bannerghatta forest (south), and the Vrishabhavathi river (west).She also alleged that the shelters have been planned without mandatory statutory approvals, including permissions under the Water and Air Acts and consent from the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board.The shelters proposed near waterbodies lack sewage treatment facilities and the kennel design, with only a single entry and exit, could compromise the safety of animal handlers during emergencies.Activist Sujaya Jagadish echoed these concerns. “RTI replies indicate that mandatory clearances from the Pollution Control Board and other statutory authorities have not been obtained. Such large facilities should not be established without all environmental and public safety approvals in place,” she said.Two RTI applications were filed by Sujaya and Geetha with the Pollution Control Board, seeking details of the consent to establish and operate shelters at Medi Agrahara (North Corporation) and Bingipura (Central and South Corporations). In its replies in May, KSPCB stated that it had no such information available in its records.Geetha also sought the constitution of a division bench in the high court to monitor compliance with the Supreme Court’s directions. She said the request is now before the Chief Justice.Shelters Being ConstructedThe five corporations are building shelters for 500 dogs each at four locations. While the North Corporation has completed its shelter at Medi Agrahara, the South and Central corporations’ shelters are coming up at Bingipura near Bannerghatta. The West City Corporation is building its shelter at Summanahalli near Kamakshipalya, while the East Corporation is planning a shelter in Mandur.
