BMC Deploys LED Vehicle for Rabies Awareness in Mumbai
In an effort to combat the spread of rabies and promote public awareness about vaccination and prevention, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has launched a special initiative using an innovative LED vehicle. Equipped with video displays, the vehicle will traverse various areas of Mumbai, delivering essential messages about rabies prevention and the importance of vaccination.
This initiative is being led under the guidance of Additional Municipal Commissioner Dr Ashwini Joshi and Deputy Commissioner Chanda Jadhav, as per the direction of Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani. The BMC’s goal is to heighten public awareness and ensure that citizens understand the risks of rabies and the steps they can take to protect themselves and their pets. Rabies prevention is a critical issue for the city, and public education plays a pivotal role in reducing the transmission of the disease from animals to humans. As part of this broader initiative, BMC has partnered with ‘Mission Rabies’ to roll out a mass vaccination programme aimed at immunising stray dogs across the city. This programme began in September 2024 and is set to run through March 2025.
Dr Kalimpasha Pathan, General Manager of the Veterinary Health Department, stated that over 25,000 stray dogs have already been vaccinated, with support from various animal lover organisations appointed by the Municipal Corporation. The LED vehicle will cover key topics such as the dangers of rabies, the importance of vaccination, responsible pet ownership, and the promotion of animal welfare. The vehicle will also encourage active citizen involvement in rabies prevention efforts. A particular focus will be placed on densely populated areas, where the risk of transmission is higher. By leveraging this unique awareness tool, the BMC aims to foster greater public participation in creating a rabies-free Mumbai, helping to protect both humans and animals from the devastating effects of the disease.
