BBMP bans canine visitors at inauguration

BANGALORE: The road below the Metro Rail route between Byappanahalli and M G Road will now be cleared of stray dogs in time for the inauguration of Metro on Thursday. The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is working hard to present a picture-perfect city to the dignitaries invited for the launch by cleaning roads and footpaths on either side of  the Metro route. Now, Palike fears stray dogs and considers it to be a “threat” to the dignitaries and to the large number of people expected to attend the inauguration.Hence, officials and workers of the Palike’s Animal Husbandry department are expected to join other  BBMP officials including BBMP commissioner in inspecting and the route and put in night duty too. Two dog-catching vehicles are to be used for the purpose. Speaking to Express, Joint Director, Animal Husbandry Department Dr Parviz Ahmed Piran said that this is a precautionary measure. According to him, there are around 20 stray dogs near Manekshaw Parade Ground and M G Road area alone. “There will be more dogs near the Byappanahalli Station due to garbage dumping,” he says. But, residents need not cheer early on no dog menace as dog catchers are expected to catch them on the previous day of launch (October 19), hand them over to animal welfare organisation Compassionate Unlimited Plus Action and release them back the day after the launch (October 21). Head Count*More than 40,000 people are also expected to witness the launch on Oct 20.