BMC moves a step closer to introducing municipal pet parks in Mumbai

There is no specific policy in place for pet park development. FILE PIC/ASHISH RAJE

In what would come as a major relief to pet parents, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken a step towards provision for municipal pet parks in the city. The BMC's General Body passed the Notice of Motion for addition of provisions for pet parks in the DCPR Mumbai (Development Control and Promotion Regulations 2034) on July 20. The motion is moving through due process, and a proposal for policy change may be seen once officials concerned check its feasibility.

A Hyderabad-based pet park's design that Prabhu is eyeing for the pet parks in his constituency. PIC courtesy/x/@KTRBRS

The notice was moved by municipal councillor of the Opposition from Gorgaon, Shiv Sena UBT's Ankit Prabhu. "The motion has passed in the General Body, and simultaneously I have also written a representation letter to the chief minister," Prabhu said.

Addition of provisions

Notice of Motion says…
‘In the DCPR 2034, no separate park or ground has been provided for pets. Considering the fact that it is necessary to create new parks to walk pets in Mumbai city, the municipal corporation is of the firm opinion that provision should be made in the DCPR for creation of parks for walking pets at various places in Mumbai"

Pet parent troubles

Ankit Sunil Prabhu, Shiv Sena UBT councillor from ward P/S 54, Goregaon
‘There are around 1 lakh BMC-registered pets in Mumbai. I have been a pet parent myself in the past and understand their concerns. Many pet parents have reached out to me with their concerns. I could have used my corporator funds to develop such parks; reserved garden land parcels are available, and NGOs are available for operations, but the primary issue arises from the fact that there is no specific policy in place for pet park development. Senior civic officials told me that even if the corporation makes a few, they could be shut over a few complaints due to lack of concrete policy support.'

Pet parents can expect…

Prabhu said his vision involves the complete welfare of pets. Depending on specific locations, requirements, and operational feasibility, pet parks can also include: separate arrangements for different species, daycare services, veterinary clinics, physiotherapy, a swimming pool, play area, etc. "I am eyeing four spots in my Goregaon-based constituency for pet parks; they are reserve garden lands near commercial buildings," Prabhu said.

What prompted motion

According to Prabhu, he wanted to make pet parks part of the policy first, as then the city could have easier, policy-driven development of pet parks. "The policy change is also a part of the Shiv Sena UBT's manifesto," he added.

The next step

According to stakeholders experienced in the process, the Notice of Motion will be forwarded by the BMC to the Urban Development Department (UDD) of the Maharashtra government. The UDD will assess the feasibility of the motion and send a response to the corporation. If the response is positive, the BMC will draft a proposal for the necessary amendment to make pet parks inclusive in the DCPR. The proposal will ultimately reach the BMC General Body for discussions and voting, following which policy changes can be implemented.

Parent Speak

Karn Shah, pet parent, and a canine and feline behaviourist
‘Both, pet parents and residents who are uncomfortable with them, will benefit. That said, as a canine and feline behaviourist, I suggest that authorities also implement several safety rules for these parks once they are operational: BMC's registration mandate will ensure transparency about vaccination, a leash at all times, and hefty fines on pet parents not clearing litter.'

[popcorn number="July 20" desc="Day proposal was cleared" class="Default"]