Dept gives 8-week deadline to secure premises, submit compliance report by November 17; warns of action for non-compliance
PANAJI
To ensure student safety and in compliance with the Supreme Court’s latest directions on stray dog management, the Directorate of Education has asked all educational institutions in Goa to immediately secure their campuses and prevent the entry of stray dogs.
The order, issued by Director of Education Shailesh Sinai Zingde to all government-aided, unaided schools, colleges, universities and coaching institutes on Wednesday, cited public safety, health, and management of stray dogs as the prime concerns.
“The administrative heads of the educational institutions shall ensure that the premises are secured by adequate fencing, boundary walls, gates and such other measures as may be necessary to prevent the ingress of stray dogs,” the circular states.
Institutions have been given eight weeks to complete the exercise, with the first compliance report due by November 17. This comes with a warning that failure to comply could result in action, as the instructions follow Supreme Court orders.
Every educational institution is also required to appoint a nodal officer responsible for maintaining cleanliness and ensuring that stray dogs do not enter or inhabit the campus. The officer’s details must be displayed prominently at the entrance and shared with the respective municipal body or panchayat.
“The management of every educational institution shall designate a nodal officer responsible for the upkeep and cleanliness of the premises and for ensuring that stray dogs do not enter or inhabit the campus. The details of the said officer shall be displayed prominently at the entrance and notified to the jurisdictional municipal body/ authority,” it further said adding that a copy of the order designating such nodal officer shall be forwarded to the department by November 17.
In addition, the Directorate has ordered quarterly inspections of campuses to identify any stray dog habitats within or near the premises. If such habitats are found, institutions must immediately alert local authorities for removal and submit a report within a week.
To promote awareness and safety, the circular mandates that schools conduct awareness sessions for students and staff on preventive behaviour around animals, first aid in case of bites, and protocols for immediate reporting.
“This directive is being issued in strict adherence to the Supreme Court’s guidelines and in the larger interest of our students’ safety,” Zingde said.
Govt appoints nodal officers
PANAJI: The Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services has appointed Nodal Officers at the State and Taluka/Municipality levels to handle issues related to stray animals. The move comes in compliance with the Supreme Court’s directions in the suo motu writ petition titled “City Hounded by Strays, Kids Pay Price” and as per instructions issued by the Chief Secretary.
The designated officers will ensure prompt medical attention and care for stray animals while maintaining close coordination with municipal bodies, law enforcement agencies, and Animal Welfare Organisations for effective implementation of the orders.
