Navi Mumbai residents threaten HC move over stray dog menace in CBD Belapur

Residents claim packs of strays have occupied common areas within Central Government Employees Colony in CBD Belapur. Pic/By Special Arrangement

Residents of the Central Government Employees (CGS) Colony in Ekta Vihar, Sector 25, CBD Belapur, have issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC), demanding action against what they describe as a growing menace of aggressive stray dogs in the area.

Led by former secretary of the Central Government Employees Residential Welfare Association, Anuj Kumar Pandey, residents have warned that they will approach the Bombay High Court if the civic body fails to capture, sterilise and rehabilitate the dogs within the stipulated period.

Dogs in common area

Residents claim packs of stray dogs have occupied common areas within the colony, making routine activities such as morning walks, grocery shopping and commuting increasingly difficult.

Legal angle

Residents have referred to the Supreme Court's ongoing proceedings in: Suo Motu Writ Petition (Civil) No. 5 of 2025
According to the representation, the court has emphasised that civic authorities cannot remain passive when public safety is at risk and that citizens have a right to move freely and safely in public spaces.

Voice of residents

Anuj Kumar Pandey, Former secretary, Central Government Employees Residential Welfare Association
‘The situation has become extremely serious and is directly threatening public safety. Residents are being forced to alter their daily routines out of a constant fear of dog attacks and the looming risk of rabies transmission.'

Response from NMMC awaited

NMMC's detailed response to the residents' allegations and demands was not available at the time of going to press.

‘Will seek judicial intervention'

The colony has warned that if no meaningful action is taken within 15 days, it will seek judicial intervention. Residents have also stated that the civic body should be held accountable if any serious injury or loss of life occurs due to alleged inaction.

After the complaint

Following the written representation, the NMMC Commissioner reportedly deployed municipal staff to capture stray dogs from the locality.

Residents' claim:
Estimated dogs in colony: 25
Dogs captured: 5
Dogs remaining: Around 20
Pandey said: "After the formal complaint was lodged, the NMMC Commissioner sent staff to catch the stray dogs. But out of an estimated 25 dogs terrorising our colony, they managed to catch only five. This piecemeal approach does nothing to solve our daily nightmare."

The issue

Location: CGS Colony, Ekta Vihar, Sector 25, CBD Belapur
Estimated stray dogs in colony: 25
Dogs reportedly caught by NMMC: 5
Deadline given to NMMC: 15 days
Legal threat: Bombay High Court petition

Groups allegedly affected:
>> Schoolchildren
>> Senior citizens
>> Pedestrians
>> Delivery personnel
>> Residents using common spaces

Residents' complaints

According to residents, packs of dogs frequently:
>> Chase pedestrians
>> Bark aggressively
>> Occupy common areas
>> Intimidate children
>> Create fear of attacks
>> Raise concerns over rabies transmission
Residents say many people have altered their daily schedules to avoid encounters with the animals.

Residents' key demands to NMMC

>> Immediate stray dog population survey
>> Sustained dog-catching operations
>> Sterilisation programme
>> Rehabilitation and shelter facilities
>> Removal of aggressive or nuisance-causing dogs as permitted under law
>> Long-term monitoring of the area