Amid Lake pet-entry row, KMC mulls dog park near EM Bypass
Times of India | 10 May 2024
Kolkata: The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) is evaluating a proposal to set up a pet park in a neighbourhood off Bypass. If the park does get built, it will be the first such facility in Kolkata. Officials at KMC said ward 109 councillor Ananya Banerjee had sent the proposal to civic commissioner Dhaval Jain and the latter had forwarded it to the parks department with a note that it be considered seriously.
The development comes amid a row over a notification by the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) that banned pets from Rabindra Sarobar.
According to the proposal, the 10-cottah park will be reserved for pet dogs, both pedigree and strays that are adopted by citizens.
“We have received a proposal for a pet park at a place close to a private hospital off Bypass. We are keen to undertake the project,” said a KMC official.
Sources said a park does exist at the place, which will be converted to a pet park once the proposal is accepted. KMC will develop some infrastructure, like a joggers’ track and a pool for dogs as well. “There is also a proposal to earmark a section for a gaming arena, just like a kids’ section in parks where there are slides, see-saws and swings,” said Banerjee.
She has also proposed that a cafeteria be set up for pet parents that will be open in the morning and evening.
According to the plan, access to the park will be free. Access to the swimming pool could be on the basis of payment. However, none of the modalities have been finalized yet.
“Since the painful days of Covid-19, residents from different neighbourhoods have been repeatedly asking me to create a breathing space for pets as most of them are now confined to flats. There is a dearth of space in the neighbourhoods for pets to roam about,” said Banerjee.