Mumbai University has lifted its ban on feeding 94 dogs at its 280-acre Kalina campus after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation intervened, according to a report by Mid-Day published on September 10. The civic body wrote to the university’s Vice-Chancellor, stating that the dogs could be fed in accordance with applicable rules.
The university had imposed the feeding ban on August 25. The decision came under scrutiny after concerns were raised that dogs living on the campus had allegedly been without food for several days. The matter also prompted questions about how large institutional premises manage free-roaming animals and comply with civic and animal-welfare requirements.
The Maharashtra Navnirman Vidyarthi Sena issued a 24-hour warning to the university administration, demanding action on the issue. Following the intervention, the BMC took cognisance of the dispute and communicated its position directly to the Vice-Chancellor.
The BMC’s communication allowed feeding to resume subject to applicable rules, after which the university lifted the ban, the report said. The development means that food can again be provided to the 94 dogs residing within the Kalina campus.
The dispute involved both animal welfare and campus administration. The university’s decision had raised concerns about the welfare of the animals and the implications of leaving a sizeable dog population without regular access to food. The report did not provide details of the university’s original order, the specific feeding arrangements now permitted or the designated locations for feeding on the campus.
Nitin Nanavare, Maharashtra state secretary of the Maharashtra Navnirman Vidyarthi Sena, said the organisation would not accept depriving animals of food and water. He said educational institutions should be sensitive to animal welfare and aware of their legal responsibilities. He also said the organisation had raised the matter after the university administration failed to address it within the 24-hour period set in its warning.
The BMC’s intervention places the immediate focus on implementation of the revised arrangement at the campus. The available report does not state whether Mumbai University and the civic body have agreed on a formal system for feeding, monitoring the dogs or addressing future complaints involving students, staff and visitors. It also does not specify whether any additional measures relating to sterilisation, vaccination or veterinary care were included in the communication.
For now, the reported position is that feeding of the dogs at the Kalina campus may resume in accordance with applicable rules. The university and civic authorities’ next steps will determine how the arrangement operates on the 280-acre premises.
