In Delhi, institutes, stadiums to appoint nodal officers to prevent entry of strays; DoE clarifies no specific role assigned to teachers

Each institution was asked to nominate a nodal officer and share the officer’s details with the Caretaking Branch at the Directorate’s headquarters, officials said, adding that such officers have already been identified.

The officers will be responsible for conducting regular inspections to ensure that “no stray dog habitat” or congregation point exists within the premises and for informing local bodies for immediate remedial action if such instances are detected.

The government circular also mandated awareness programmes for students, teaching and non-teaching staff on animal behaviour, first aid for dog bites, and reporting protocols.

After the circulars were published, speculation arose as to whether school teachers will be deployed to count stray dogs. In response, the DoE issued a press note clarifying that no specific duties have been assigned to teachers, countering “misinformation” circulating in sections of the print media.

In October, Kenyan sprint coach Dennis Mwanzo and Japanese assistant coach Mieko Okumatsu, who were in New Delhi for the 12th World Para Athletics Championships, were bitten by stray dogs at the warm-up track of Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, triggering criticism.

Following meetings chaired by the Secretary, Urban Development Department, on November 12, and by the Chief Secretary on November 20, the DoE was asked to implement preventive measures, particularly to prevent stray dog ingress into educational institutions and sports complexes.

The DoE subsequently issued circulars in November and December — the latest on December 10 — to schools, offices and stadiums to implement safety measures.