Heavy rainfall on Friday night severely inundated the Dhapa dog shelter, leaving approximately 140 stray dogs trapped and struggling for survival. The kennel, located in a low-lying area prone to waterlogging, was overwhelmed as stormwater rapidly filled the premises, including the individual kennels where the animals were housed. Despite the urgency of the situation, officials from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) were notably absent, sparking concerns over administrative negligence and the welfare of the animals under their care.
Most of the dogs at the shelter were collected from streets across the 144 wards under KMC jurisdiction, brought in for sterilisation and treatment. A significant number were rescued from vulnerable conditions, brought to Dhapa for medical care before being released back into the community. However, when floodwaters breached the shelter, these animals were left frightened and vulnerable, struggling through the night as the water levels rose. Those working at the shelter, including dog attendants, security personnel, and pump operators, remained on site throughout the night, battling the rising water and tending to the distressed animals. Their efforts included activating two heavy-duty pumps to drain the flooded water and keep the shelter accessible. Nevertheless, the stormwater took considerable time to recede due to the poor drainage infrastructure in the surrounding neighbourhoods, worsening the plight of both the dogs and the staff.
An attendant expressed dismay at the lack of involvement from senior KMC officials, stating that no clear instructions or assistance were provided during the crisis. According to sources within the KMC health department, the veterinary officer responsible for overseeing the Dhapa pound was also absent on Saturday, exacerbating the operational challenges faced by the shelter staff. The attendant emphasised that a veterinary doctor must assess the health of each dog before sterilisation procedures can be safely resumed, a process now delayed indefinitely. The Dhapa dog shelter’s location in a naturally low-lying basin means it is chronically vulnerable to flooding, particularly during the monsoon season. Water from adjacent localities flows downhill into the pound, making it a perennial flood risk area. Civic employees at the site described how the dogs’ distress and incessant barking alerted them to the rising water, prompting the immediate deployment of pumps to prevent complete submersion.
The absence of proactive measures and the visible lack of senior KMC leadership during the emergency have raised serious questions about the municipal corporation’s preparedness and commitment to animal welfare. The shelter’s drainage system has long been known to be inadequate, and this incident highlights the urgent need for comprehensive infrastructure upgrades to prevent future flooding and ensure the safety of the animals. Experts emphasise that improving the drainage infrastructure is critical not only to protect the animals but also to align with the city’s broader goals of sustainable, equitable, and humane urban management. Without such improvements, vulnerable stray animals will continue to face life-threatening situations during extreme weather events, underscoring a systemic failure that must be addressed promptly.
This episode serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by urban animal shelters in flood-prone areas and the pressing necessity for civic authorities to strengthen their disaster response mechanisms. The welfare of the 140 stray dogs and the resilience of the Dhapa pound depend on immediate intervention and the implementation of sustainable drainage solutions. KMC officials have yet to issue a statement regarding the flooding or outline plans for infrastructure improvement, leaving staff and animal welfare advocates calling for urgent action. The stormwater inundation of the Dhapa dog shelter reflects broader concerns about municipal accountability and the city’s readiness to manage the impacts of seasonal floods on vulnerable populations—both human and animal alike.
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