After advising the DMK run Greater Chennai Corporation to “learn from Indore” in handling urban issues, Sivaganga Congress MP Karti Chidambaram has now petitioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take urgent action on the rising health and safety risks posed by India’s growing stray dog population, which is closely linked to rabies cases.
Sharing details on social media, Karti Chidambaram stated, “Met the Hon’ble Prime Minister today in his Parliament House office to bring to his notice the growing health & safety concerns posed by stray dogs. India is home to one of the largest stray dog populations globally, with over 6.2 crore stray dogs. India is also endemic for rabies, responsible for 36% of the world’s rabies-related deaths. Despite the introduction of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, the implementation has been ineffective. I raised concerns about the inadequacy of the current system, where local bodies lack the resources, funding, and technology to tackle this issue effectively. It’s clear that urgent action is required. I suggested establishing a National Task Force to provide a holistic, humane, and scientific solution while working closely with local bodies. Additionally, dedicated shelter houses and a long-term plan must be in place to address this challenge.”
Met the Hon'ble Prime Minister today in his Parliament House office to bring to his notice the growing health & safety concerns posed by stray dogs. India is home to one of the largest stray dog populations globally, with over 6.2 crore stray dogs.
India is also endemic for… pic.twitter.com/zbvZ7avjPT— Karti P Chidambaram (@KartiPC) March 28, 2025
Only recently Congress MP Karti Chidambaram sparked debate on 25 March 2025, by suggesting that the Greater Chennai Corporation should take lessons in waste management from Indore, a city in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh known for its cleanliness.
Reacting to reports that Chennai officials plan to visit Europe in May to study waste management techniques, Karti took to X, questioning the effectiveness of such foreign study tours. He posted, “Can the @chennaicorp name one learning & implementation of a practise from any of the previous study tours? Poor garbage management, street dogs & cattle, broken sidewalks & potholed roads is the hallmark of Chennai. Visit Indore to start with.“
Can the @chennaicorp name one learning & implementation of a practise from any of the previous study tours? Poor garbage management, street dogs & cattle, broken sidewalks & potholed roads is the hallmark of Chennai. Visit Indore to start with. https://t.co/yDCko3AaL2
— Karti P Chidambaram (@KartiPC) March 25, 2025
His remarks, seen as an unexpected endorsement of Indore’s municipal administration under the BJP, come amidst the Congress being in alliance with the DMK in Tamil Nadu which remains at odds with the BJP government on various issues, including language policies and delimitation.
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