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SC order on stray dogs | ‘Heads should roll if order not implemented soon’: RWAs sceptical but hopeful

SC order on stray dogs: A Supreme Court bench on Monday asked the authorities, including the MCD and New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC), to start removing dogs from the streets, build the shelters and report to it on the creation of such infrastructure within eight weeks.

"There should be a balance between animal rights and human welfare. Even if 50 percent of the stray dogs are picked up, it will be a relief," Vohra says. (Source: Express Archives)

Will the civic authorities be able to implement the Supreme Court’s directive to remove the stray dogs from the roads? This was the resounding question as the Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) in the Capital welcomed the ruling of the apex court on the relocation of strays from roads to shelters.

Expressing scepticism, Rajiv Kakaria, convener of Save Our Cities — a collective of RWAs and NGOs — and a member of the Greater Kailash 1 RWA, said, “It is a good decision, but I am apprehensive… The Supreme Court often passes judgments, which mostly remain on paper.”

“The court should take stock of the situation after eight weeks and heads should roll if their directions are not complied with,” Kakaria added, highlighting that many previous court judgments were still “unimplemented”.

BS Vohra, President of the East Delhi RWA Joint Front, said people are troubled by dogs, noting that in recent years, a surge has been observed in the cases of dog bites. “We are all dog lovers, but they often chase people who go out for walks or enter the localities on two-wheelers. There should be a balance between animal rights and human welfare. Even if 50% of the stray dogs are picked up, it will be a relief,” Vohra asserted.

Atul Goyal of the United Residents Joint Action (URJA), a civil society group, said that the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) may not have the capacity to carry out such a drive. “While this decision is definitely welcome, I don’t think the MCD has the capacity to round up all the dogs. And the time given is also less. But the MCD acts under pressure and fear, and looking at the statements of political leaders, we are hopeful this time,” Goyal said.

A Supreme Court bench on Monday asked the authorities in Delhi-NCR, including the MCD and New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC), to start removing dogs from the streets, build the shelters and report to it on the creation of such infrastructure within eight weeks. It said that the shelters must have sufficient personnel for sterilisation and immunisation of the stray dogs, which should not be released into public places. The centres should be monitored by CCTV cameras to ensure that no dogs are taken out.

“This time the directions are centralised. Previous orders required colonies to set up dog-feeding points and shelters only within the colonies. I feel this time it will be very difficult,” Goyal said.

Devansh Mittal

Devansh Mittal is a Correspondent at The Indian Express, based in the New Delhi City bureau. He primarily covers civic governance, urban infrastructure, and environmental policy in the National Capital Region. Professional Background Education: He studied Political Science at Ashoka University. Core Beats: His reporting focus includes the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and the Delhi Metro. He has also shown a strong specialization in environmental accountability, particularly during Delhi’s winter pollution crises. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) His reportage in late 2025 has centered on the severe air quality crisis in Delhi and high-profile civic developments: 1. Environment & "Express Impact" "Express Impact: Action cell, weekly inspections to rid Rohini of its dust" (Dec 21, 2025): Following his investigative report that flagged Rohini as a "dust bowl," he covered the subsequent government action to set up a dedicated Dust Action Cell and mandate weekly joint inspections. "Air toxic, Delhi govt makes 50% work from home a must" (Dec 17, 2025): Reporting on the mandatory WFH advisory and the Rs 10,000 relief announced for construction workers affected by the Stage 3 GRAP ban. "Broken pavements, untarred roads: Why Delhi's Rohini is a dust bowl" (Dec 18, 2025): A ground-zero report detailing how dug-up roads and unfinished civic works have worsened air pollution in North West Delhi. 2. Urban Governance & Infrastructure "New Metro museum at Supreme Court station opens for public on December 19" (Dec 18, 2025): Reporting on the relocation and inauguration of the iconic Metro Museum by CM Rekha Gupta. "Data shows surge in sale of DDA flats in last three years" (Dec 15, 2025): An analytical piece on how the DDA has begun clearing its massive unsold inventory of housing through new schemes. "Birth to death services under one roof: How Delhi's expansion to 13 districts makes citizen lives easier" (Dec 12, 2025): Detailed coverage of the administrative reorganization of Delhi into three new districts (Outer North, Central North, and Old Delhi). 3. Transport & Safety "Govt orders probe after off-duty pilot assaults passenger at Delhi airport" (Dec 21, 2025): A high-impact report on a physical altercation at IGIA involving an Air India Express pilot, which led to a formal investigation by the Civil Aviation Ministry. Signature Style Devansh is recognized for his "spot check" reporting style. His work often bridges the gap between environmental science (source apportionment data) and public health, making complex pollution metrics accessible to everyday residents. He is also a regular contributor to the Express political pulse, analyzing how urban issues like housing and dust affect voter sentiment. Contact X (Twitter): @devanshmittal_ ... Read More

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