Latest news with #S.P.SinghBaghel
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Lack of birth control centres, shortage of vets, leads to spike in dog bites, rabies deaths across south India
Dog bite incidents remain a significant public health issue across southern India, with rabies-related deaths continuing to rise, despite various measures to control the problem. According to the government's response to the Lok Sabha on July 22, 2025, over 37 lakh dog bite cases and 54 suspected rabies deaths were recorded in 2024. The National Centre for Disease Control confirmed 37 lakh dog bite cases and 54 suspected human rabies deaths that year. The government has placed the responsibility for managing the stray dog population on municipalities. In a written reply, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, S.P. Singh Baghel stated that the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Programme is being implemented across the country to regulate stray dog numbers. However, despite ongoing sterilisation drives and vaccination campaigns, data from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, and Kerala indicate that the problem is far from resolved. The stray dog population continues to grow, and civic responses have been limited. The toll on human health In Tamil Nadu, for instance, the Directorate of Public Health reported a startling 1.24 lakh dog bite cases and four rabies deaths in just the first three months of 2025. The fatalities from rabies went up from 18 deaths in 2023 to 43 in 2024. By mid-2025, 18 rabies deaths had already been recorded, suggesting another year of high mortality. Despite these grim statistics, the State's sterilisation efforts are struggling to keep pace with the growing population of stray dogs. An official survey in Chennai estimated 1.8 lakh stray dogs in the city in 2024, though the actual number could be much higher. Experts recommend sterilising at least 90% of the dogs in a short period to break the reproductive cycle, but data from the Greater Chennai Corporation shows the number of sterilisations in 2023 was 14,885 and a marginal reduction in 2024, at 14,678. Meanwhile, in Karnataka, 2024 saw 3.6 lakh dog bite cases and 42 rabies deaths. This situation has persisted into 2025, with Bangalore Urban reporting 8,878 dog bites between January and June. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) region, which includes the city's core, recorded 13,831 cases in just six months. Although no rabies deaths were reported in these areas during this period, Bangalore Urban was responsible for 9 of the 19 Statewide rabies fatalities. The situation in the city, particularly in poorer areas, reflects the ongoing challenges in controlling the stray dog population, despite efforts in more affluent neighbourhoods where government agencies are active. In Telangana, Hyderabad has also seen a dramatic increase in dog bite cases, which more than doubled from 10,078 incidents in 2022 to 21,131 in 2024. The situation is dire, with Greater Hyderabad now reporting over 100 dog bites every day. Between 2021 and 2024, the State recorded over 3.3 lakh dog bite cases, with Hyderabad contributing significantly to this total. Local residents have expressed fear about letting their children play outside due to aggressive stray dogs. 'Only because I live in a society that has banned stray dogs can my child play safely within the complex,' said N. Sravani, mother of a five-year-old. In Kerala, the situation is similarly concerning. Dog bite cases have surged from 1.19 lakh in 2014 to around 3.16 lakh in 2024, more than doubling over the past decade. The increase in rabies-related deaths has been just as worrying: 25 deaths in 2023, 26 in 2024, and already 16 deaths in the first five months of 2025. Significantly, some of those who died had received rabies vaccinations, suggesting that in some cases, the virus reached the nervous system too quickly, rendering the vaccine ineffective. In response, the Kerala government has plans to deploy mobile ABC units across all 152 block panchayats, aiming to better control the stray dog population. For many, the fear of stray dogs is a daily reality, which makes even simple activities like taking children for walks or playing outside a daunting task. Challenges in controlling stray dog populations The ability to manage and control the stray dog population is hindered by several significant challenges. A crucial issue is the lack of adequate infrastructure, especially in terms of animal birth control centres, and the shortage of trained veterinary professionals. Shruti Vinod Raj, honorary member of the Tamil Nadu Animal Welfare Board, said that Chennai alone needs 17 ABC centres to handle the growing number of stray dogs. At present, the city has only five, with plans for ten more. The existing centres are not enough to meet the demand, and only a fraction of the necessary sterilisation procedures are being carried out. Moreover, there is a significant shortage of qualified veterinarians to perform these essential procedures, says Ms. Raj. The lack of skilled professionals at these centres further exacerbates the problem. In response to this, the Animal Welfare Board and the Animal Husbandry Department are working to provide targeted training for veterinarians specifically to work at these centres, but this initiative is still in its early stages. Another major challenge comes in the form of bureaucratic red tape, which delays the establishment of new ABC centres. An animal welfare organisation in Hyderabad, which works with the local body for ABC, noted that proposals for setting up new centres may take years to be approved, leaving the stray dog population to proliferate unchecked in the meantime. In many cases, by the time a new centre is operational, the population of strays has grown significantly. Local residents, too, are noticing these gaps in the system. K. Guru, a resident of Bangalore, commented that while some affluent areas are seeing a reduction in stray dog numbers due to active government intervention, the situation in other parts of the city remains grim. 'In affluent neighbourhoods, there seems to be some progress in controlling the stray dog population. However, in other parts of the city, the problem is only worsening,' he said. Experts have called for a more coordinated, widespread response, involving better infrastructure, a larger number of trained veterinarians, and faster decision-making to address the issue comprehensively. Until these challenges are addressed, the rise in dog bite cases and rabies deaths is likely to persist.
Hans India
22-07-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Over 37 lakh dog bite cases in 2024: Centre steps up stray dog control measures
New Delhi: The Central government has intensified its efforts to manage the stray dog population and reduce dog bite incidents across the country. According to data presented in the Lok Sabha by Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, S.P. Singh Baghel, India reported 37,17,336 dog bite cases and 54 suspected human rabies deaths in 2024. Municipalities, under Article 243(W), are mandated to implement the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Programme, focusing on neutering and anti-rabies vaccination of stray dogs. To streamline this, the government notified the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, superseding the earlier 2001 rules. These new rules incorporate Supreme Court and Delhi High Court directives, including guidelines for feeding and care of community animals. The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) has issued multiple advisories to ensure effective street dog population control and promote man-dog conflict resolution. Between 2024 and June 2025, 166 letters were sent to RWAs and local bodies to ensure compliance. On the health front, the Ministry of Health is implementing the National Rabies Control Programme (NRCP), which includes setting up Model Anti-Rabies Clinics, ensuring vaccine availability, and launching the "Rabies-Free City" initiative. Additionally, the Centre has allocated Rs 3,535.86 lakh over the past five years for anti-rabies vaccine procurement under the ASCAD scheme, including Rs 1,423.41 lakh in 2024-25 for over 80 lakh doses. The government has also urged States/UTs to adopt the ABC Programme through local bodies to enhance public safety, particularly for children. The Department of Animal Husbandry conducts a five-year livestock census, which includes stray dogs, while municipalities have been advised to conduct annual local censuses under the ABC Rules. The Centre's comprehensive approach aims to address both public health and animal welfare in tackling the growing stray dog issue.
India.com
22-07-2025
- Health
- India.com
Over 37 Lakh Dog Bite Cases In 2024: Centre Steps Up Stray Dog Control Measures
According to data presented in the Lok Sabha by Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, S.P. Singh Baghel, India reported 37,17,336 dog bite cases and 54 suspected human rabies deaths in 2024. Municipalities, under Article 243(W), are mandated to implement the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Programme, focusing on neutering and anti-rabies vaccination of stray dogs. To streamline this, the government notified the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, superseding the earlier 2001 rules. These new rules incorporate Supreme Court and Delhi High Court directives, including guidelines for feeding and care of community animals. The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) has issued multiple advisories to ensure effective street dog population control and promote man-dog conflict resolution. Between 2024 and June 2025, 166 letters were sent to RWAs and local bodies to ensure compliance. On the health front, the Ministry of Health is implementing the National Rabies Control Programme (NRCP), which includes setting up Model Anti-Rabies Clinics, ensuring vaccine availability, and launching the "Rabies-Free City" initiative. Additionally, the Centre has allocated Rs 3,535.86 lakh over the past five years for anti-rabies vaccine procurement under the ASCAD scheme, including Rs 1,423.41 lakh in 2024-25 for over 80 lakh doses. The government has also urged States/UTs to adopt the ABC Programme through local bodies to enhance public safety, particularly for children. The Department of Animal Husbandry conducts a five-year livestock census, which includes stray dogs, while municipalities have been advised to conduct annual local censuses under the ABC Rules. The Centre's comprehensive approach aims to address both public health and animal welfare in tackling the growing stray dog issue.
Business Standard
21-04-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
25th Edition of Asian Business & Social Forum 2025 and SIT20 Summit
PNN New Delhi [India], April 21: AsiaOne Media Group successfully hosted a mega summit namely the 25th Edition of Asian Business & Social Forum 2025 and SIT20 (Saudi Arabia - India - Thailand 20) Conference at the majestic Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on 16th April 2025, which was attended by eminent personalities from the realm of business, politics, cinema, and arts from all over the globe. The centre of attraction was the participation of diplomats of 20 countries, 2 ministers and distinguished leaders from varied spheres. The Forum was graced by the esteemed presence of Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayati Raj, Government of India, and Shri Puran Chand Nailwal, Minister of State, Uttarakhand Government, and diplomats comprising Ambassadors, Deputy Ambassadors, High Commissioners, and Consuls from the countries of Argentina, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Iceland, Jordan, the Gambia, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Tanzania, Tunisia, Jamaica, Montenegro, Peru, Seychelles, Mongolia, Maldives, Thailand, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. The Forum threw open opportunities to gain valuable insights through some of the significant keynote speeches by prominent personages. It also facilitated networking with renowned leaders from business, social and political spheres. The enthralling congratulatory message for AsiaOne by Dr. Ramdas Athawale, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, took the audience by storm. He praised AsiaOne's efforts in recognising business excellence from all over the globe. Throwing open the summit with his welcome speech, Mr. Rajat Raj Shukal, Global Head and Principal Partner, AsiaOne Media Group, said, "Today, it is all about shaping Global business architecture, thus, AsiaOne is being instrumental in bringing together business leaders, diplomats and political leaders from all over the world and through greatest leaders and Asian Business and Social Forum, our endeavour is to bring the people together to this platform of excellence where all these participating brands leaders come together to discuss debate and prepare roadmap for excellence and success leading to sustainable development and eventually march towards a developed India 'Viksit Bharat'." Minister Prof. SP Singh Baghel applauded AsiaOne for its endevour to recognize brands and leaders for their exemplary work. He added that good and credible international platforms like AsiaOne become indispensable in this regard. He further asserted that the recognition being given to business brands and leaders through AsiaOne motivates them and also motivates other people such as emerging leaders to move ahead, achieve their goals and contribute to the development of this country. Dr. J.C. Chaudhry, Founder and Chairman, Chaudhry Nummero Pvt. Ltd., talked about the importance of spirituality and its impact on business. He was of the view that spirituality is all about self-control and self-devotion and both these qualities are required very much in the world of business. He also showcased the massive 'Char Dham' project and invited the audience to visit it at the pious land of Vrindavan. Mr. N.B. Naik, Founder and Managing Director of Shares Bazaar and the visionary behind Kisaan Parivar is a dynamic entrepreneur and has been instrumental in transforming the landscape of financial literacy and investment awareness in India. Through Shares Bazaar, he has empowered countless individuals to take control of their financial futures, while Kisaan Parivar reflects his deep-rooted commitment to the upliftment and welfare of India's farming community. His dual focus on financial inclusion and rural development makes him a true changemaker in both urban and grassroots economies. We were honoured to have his team with us during the event, and everyone applauded his continued dedication to building a more financially informed and socially inclusive India. His popular venture, Where2Invest offers technology-driven alternative investment solutions specializing in identifying market opportunities, targeting premium assets, and riding market trends for long-term wealth creation. During the launch of his biography titled 'Sangharsh, Safalta Se Samarpan Tak,' Shri Puran Dawar, Chairman, Dawar Group, said, "Struggle always takes a person forward in life." Dr. Aashish Chaudhry, Chief Orthopedic Surgeoon and Managing Director, Aakash Healthcare Super Speciality Hospital, stressed upon the excellent level of healthcare services, expertise and infrastructure India offers at one fifth to one tenth of the cost incurred in the western countries. "So, let's all together promote healthcare tourism in India and we all need to position India as a global healthcare hub (Vishwa Chikitsalay)," he asserted. Mr. Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of NSDC and Managing Director of NSDC International, said, "we have created NSDC Digital as one platform where the education ecosystem and the skill ecosystem and the employment and entrepreneurship world, they all come together and create opportunities for youth of this country. I will highly recommend that all of you should download that app." Mr. Alok Kumar, CEO, NSDC International, and Mr. Nitin Kapoor, Vice President, NSDC Academy talked about importance of skilling. They elaborated upon the fact that India supplies skilled manpower to the world and within India too skilling is required with futuristic vision and that is what NSDC is doing through public private partnership through various other joint ventures and collaborations. ASIAONE Unifying Global Economies: SIT20 Round Table Conference - Shaping Global Business Architecture With a focus on unifying diverse economies, SIT20 emerged as a landmark inter-business forum, playing an instrumental role in shaping and strengthening the global architecture for business expansion, joint ventures, and cross-border collaborations. At the conference, many diplomats talked about the resources and assets of their countries. They also promoted their countries as tourism and investment destinations and invited the participating delegates to come forward for joint ventures, investments and collaborations. The Ethiopian Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Fesseha Shawel Gebre, Ambassador of Peru, H.E. Mr. Javier Paulinich, High Commissioner of Jamaica, H.E. Mr. Jason Hall, H.E. Prof. Joyce Kakuramatsi Kikafunda, Uganda's High Commissioner to India, H.E. Mrs. Harisoa Lalatiana Accouche, High Commissioner of Seychelles, H.E. Dr. Janice Darbari, Consul General of Montenegro andAmbassador of Mongolia, H.E. Mr. Ganbold Dambajav talked about the opportunities of collaboration at the conference. The 2nd edition of Dr. J. C. Chaudhry Excellence Awards was also organized during the event. The Dr. JC Chaudhry Excellence Award stands as a distinguished accolade, created to celebrate outstanding leaders and organizations across the globe. This prestigious award honours not only their remarkable achievements in field of work but also their profound contributions to societal well-being. Named after Dr. JC Chaudhry, a visionary renowned for his unwavering dedication to excellence and community impact, the award seeks to recognize those who exemplify the harmonious blend of commercial success with social responsibility. By advancing economic growth while fostering positive community development, these leaders embody the true essence of sustainable progress. Some of the winning brands and leaders at the forum were: Dr. J. C. Chaudhry, Founder & Chairman Chaudhry Nummero and CHAR DHAM (Jay Kay Trust), Mr. Nanavath Bhupal Naik, Founder & Managing Director of Shares Bazaar & Founder of Kisaan Parivar, Shares Bazaar, My Hub Technologies, Dr. Tapan Singhel, MD & CEO, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, Dr. Aashish Chaudhry, MD, Aakash Healthcare Super Speciality Hospital, Mr. Munagala Shyam Prasad Garu, Chairman and Managing Director, Tenali Double Horse Group, Mr. Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO - NSDC & MD - NSDC International and National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), Mr. Harish Kohli, President and Managing Director, Acer India, Rambhajo's, Mr. Satish Vijaywargi, CEO & Founder - Serene Pharma, Dr. Anju Majeed, Group Executive Chairperson, Sami-Sabinsa Group and Mr. Shaheen Majeed, Global CEO & MD (D. Litt.), Sami Sabinsa Group, Dr. Anton Ravindran, President, Alliance for AI & Humanity (AAIH), Mr. Chetan Singh Hayer, MD, Hayer One Group, Hacker India, Mr. Deepak Thakur, MD & CEO, Mahindra Susten, Dr Sharad Mehra, Regional CEO, Asia and Australia, GUS Global Services (GGS), Mr. Susanta Mohapatra, CEO & CTO, CrudeChem Technology Inc., Mr. Nitin Jain - Chairman & Managing Director and Mr. Hemant Daga - Co-founder & CEO, Neo Wealth & Asset Management, Welspun Living Limited, Dr. Shruti Sharma, CEO, Brindavan Group of Institutions, Mr. Varchasvi Gagal, MD & CEO, Datta Power Infra Private Limited, Mr. Swapnil Agarwal, CEO - Nitya Capital, Mr. Vishal Jain, Pro Chancellor, Vidya University, Case Group, Sanjay Speech Hearing and Rehabilitation Center, Luminous Power Technologies, The Indian Lawyer & Allied Services, Gastro 360, Hylife Group, Finding Roots, FUNDSINDIA PVT WEALTH, Learning Links Foundation, Aspect Global, SBI General Insurance, MyDigi Records, Institute of Rural Management Anand, Cadmech Engineering, Priyadarshani Group of Schools, Kirby Building Systems and structures India, VEN Consulting India, EIILM - Kolkata, Gandour India, Mr. Manish Saxena, Founder & CEO, Meraki Projects India, Masters Logistics Solutions Group, Abdul Samad Al'Qurashi Group, Kesavardhini Products, GLS University, Solis Hygiene Private Limited, Essentia Environments, White Lotus Group, Divine Vision Infratech Pvt. Ltd., Oak & Stone, and others. About AsiaOne AsiaOne is a leading international media house and the only business and news magazine with a presence in over 16 countries across Asia, the Middle East, Americas and Africa. AsiaOne has earned its reputation as the "Business Oscars" of the industry. AsiaOne Greatest Brands & Leaders TV series reaches over 38 million viewers across 30 countries and holds a prestigious position in the World Book of Records UK for its significant impact. To learn more about the event, research and the greatest brands and leaders, visit and or write to us at global@ dubai@ singapore@ and india@
