Lockdown 2.0: Odisha Govt Approves Additional Funds For Feeding Stray Animals In Urban Areas

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Thursday approved additional Rs 80 lakh under Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for feeding stray dogs/animals during the extended lockdown period.

The Housing and Urban Development Department said that funds will be provided to urban local bodies – five municipal corporations, 48 municipalities and 61 NACs to take up feeding of stray animals by utilizing the manpower/mobility/ machinery available with them and also utilizing the service of NGOs/animal welfare organisations in their areas.

On March 30, the government had approved Rs 54 lakh from Chief Minister’s Relief Fund  (CMRF) for feeding stray animals in five municipal corporations and all 48 municipalities of the state during the first phase of the lockdown.

More than 1.20 lakh stray animals, including cows, bulls and dogs, were fed in these areas for two weeks, sources said.

The lockdown to contain spread of COVID-19 has now been extended to May 3.