Ulhasnagar Municipal Commissioner (UMC) takes action after mid-day’s report on the lack of contractors in the sterilisation department and a shortage of anti-rabies injections. (Pics/Navneet Barhate)
Updated on : 14 February,2025 01:16 PM IST | Compiled by : Anisha Shrivastava
Residents of Tanaji Nagar have been facing growing concerns as stray dog attacks increase, especially targeting senior citizens and children. In 2025 alone, at least 135 people have been bitten by dogs, raising alarm in the community.
UMC Chief Manisha Awhale has demanded a detailed explanation from the medical health department over the ongoing issues. The problem was highlighted when mid-day reported 21,411 dog bite cases recorded at Ulhasnagar Central Hospital in 2024. The sterilisation department, inaugurated in 2023 by former Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has been non-operational for the past six to seven months due to contractor shortages.
Complaints regarding the shortage of anti-rabies injections have led victims to seek treatment at other hospitals. The UMC has instructed the health department to restore the supply of anti-rabies vaccines and to prioritise making the sterilisation department functional again.
Dr Manohar Bansode, dean of Ulhasnagar Central Hospital, had written nine letters to the civic body about the vaccine shortage. UMC officials have demanded clarification on what actions have been taken to address the supply issues for the vaccines.
Local resident Pinky Benjamin highlighted that when the sterilisation facility was operational, stray dog numbers were well controlled, but its closure has led to an increase in stray dog population. The health department’s poor performance has been under scrutiny, with a medical clerk, Ajay Behanwal, suspended earlier this year for negligence, causing delays in important civic processes.
