Plans for Pune’s first dedicated dog park remain in limbo as the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) struggles to finalise a suitable plot. The original site in Katraj, spanning nearly four acres, was deemed “too close” to the city zoo by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) due to concerns over potential disease transmission to captive animals. Despite repeated appeals to reconsider, CZA remains unresponsive. Meanwhile, an alternative one-acre plot in Baner is under consideration, though competing interests from other civic departments complicate matters. Citizens eagerly await the resolution of these bureaucratic hurdles.
In its 2023-24 budget, PMC had envisioned a state-of-the-art facility in Katraj, complete with veterinary services and leash-free areas. However, the smaller Baner site may lack the capacity to include all planned amenities. According to officials, the Katraj plot’s location beneath a flyover made it ideal for repurposing, eliminating risks of encroachment. “We are pursuing both sites to ensure pet owners get a dedicated space,” said the head of PMC’s veterinary department. Meanwhile, neighbouring Pimpri Chinchwad set a benchmark with its dog park earlier this year, showcasing the growing demand for such facilities.
Sustainability is integral to the plan, with both proposed sites aiming to enhance urban green spaces while serving the community. Repurposing idle land for a dog park aligns with the city’s efforts to reduce encroachment and optimise resource use. The smaller Baner site may require innovative design solutions to maximise utility without compromising on sustainability goals. By integrating the park with existing urban planning initiatives, PMC could create a model for eco-friendly public amenities.
This delay underscores broader civic issues in Pune, where overlapping departmental priorities often impede timely project execution. Citizens, including animal welfare advocates, have voiced frustration at the slow progress. “A dedicated dog park will not only benefit pets but also foster better community interactions,” shared a Baner resident. With rising urban pet ownership, PMC faces mounting pressure to deliver on its promises while balancing sustainability and civic development goals.
