Odisha Higher Education Dept orders fencing, gates and waste-control in colleges to stop stray dog and cattle entry

The Higher Education Department on Wednesday instructed all government and non-government aided degree colleges in Odisha to implement physical security, awareness programmes and waste-management systems to prevent stray dogs and cattle from entering college premises.

The directive follows a review meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary in connection with the Supreme Court’s hearing on the management of stray dogs and cattle.

Order Issued Through Formal Letter To All Principals

In a letter sent to Principals of government and aided degree colleges, the Department stated that colleges must be secured with adequate fencing. The instruction specifies that campuses should have boundaries and gates to ensure stray dogs cannot enter academic areas.

According to the directive, stray dogs and cattle have been identified as a safety concern on higher-education campuses. The Department highlighted that uncontrolled entry of animals poses safety risks for students and staff, prompting the requirement for physical security measures across institutions.

Awareness Classes, First-Aid For Bites

Along with structural measures, the Department has directed colleges to conduct awareness classes for students and employees. All institutions have been asked to cover preventive behaviour around animals and first-aid measures in case of dog bites.

The order also requires the implementation of proper waste-management systems to remove food sources that attract stray animals.

Colleges have been asked to ensure that garbage disposal and waste-control practices are strengthened so that animals do not gather around academic buildings, hostels or open areas.

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The Higher Education Department has asked all colleges to implement the responsibilities and submit a consolidated report to the Department. It also added that implementation is mandatory for all concerned institutions and is to be taken up at the college level without delay.