KMDA bans animal feeding at Rabindra Sarovar, designates four spots for pet care

The Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) has issued a ban on feeding animals within Rabindra Sarovar, a major public park in South Kolkata. This decision aims to address concerns about cleanliness and pollution caused by food scraps and waste left by people feeding stray animals, particularly dogs and cats. The waste accumulated from feeding activities led to sanitation issues, which affected the park’s overall environment, making it unpleasant for regular visitors who use the space for morning and evening walks. The new rule applies across the entire park, including its lake and surrounding areas, where feeding animals had become a frequent practice.

To mitigate the issue, the KMDA has identified four specific areas within Rabindra Sarovar where feeding animals will be allowed. These locations are as follows: the Buddha Temple gate (Gate No. 1), near the Kolkata Rowing Club (Gate No. 8), the area near Nazrul Mancha (Gate No. 11), and close to Golpark (Gate No. 12). Feeding will be restricted to these designated zones, and violators who feed animals outside of these areas could face penalties. The KMDA has emphasized that these locations have been selected to ensure minimal disruption to the park's cleanliness and the comfort of its visitors.

The enforcement of this new policy will be carried out by security personnel stationed at Rabindra Sarobar, who will monitor the park to ensure that the rules are being followed. The KMDA has made it clear that strict action will be taken against anyone caught violating the feeding restrictions. This move is part of the ongoing effort by the authority to maintain the park's ecological balance and prevent littering, which had become a growing problem in recent months due to excessive feeding activities.

In response to the new regulations, some animal rights groups and regular park-goers who previously fed stray animals have raised concerns about the lack of clear signage indicating the designated feeding areas. Animal welfare advocates worry that without visible markers, individuals may unknowingly feed animals outside the allowed zones, leading to further confusion. Additionally, there are concerns about potential safety risks, particularly from stray dogs that may become agitated if they do not receive food in the newly restricted areas.

The KMDA has not yet addressed specific measures to manage the food supply at the designated feeding spots, leaving some questions about how food will be provided to the animals consistently. However, the initiative aligns with broader plans to enhance the park’s sustainability and ensure a safe environment for both animals and park visitors. The park's management intends to strike a balance between addressing public concerns over cleanliness and maintaining support for animal welfare efforts within the community.