Latest news with #LSGD
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Compensation for dog bite cases:In Kerala HC, state proposes setting up district-level committees
Kochi: The state govt has submitted a proposal before high court to constitute district-level committees for handling dog bite compensation cases, in place of the Justice Siri Jagan Committee, which ceased functioning following a 2024 directive from the Supreme Court. As per the proposal, each district-level committee would consist of the district legal services authority (DLSA) secretary, district medical officer (DMO) and joint director of local self-govt department (LSGD). The suggestion came in response to a batch of petitions seeking HC's intervention to curb stray dog attack incidents. The bench of Justice C S Dias accepted the state's suggestion and directed the govt to file a counter-affidavit detailing the estimated stray dog population in Kerala, the actual statistics of dog bite incidents and deaths, the number of local self-govt institutions (LSGIs) in the state and the extent to which they have implemented the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023. HC also asked whether stray dog attacks could be brought within the purview of the State Disaster Management Act, similar to wild animal attacks, at least for the purpose of paying compensation. The bench impleaded the state police chief in the matter, seeking details such as how many FIRs have been registered in connection with dog bite incidents. It was observed that when an animal attacks a human, the custodian is held responsible, and in case of stray dogs, the LSGD secretary would be treated as the custodian. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villa Prices in Dubai Might Be Lower Than You Think! Villa for sale in Dubai | Search Ads Learn More Undo During hearing, the court noted that, according to reports, there had been 16 deaths and over one lakh dog bite cases in Kerala in the past six months, and that the stray dog population was said to be around 50 lakh. The court described the situation as very alarming. However, the additional advocate general raised doubts about these figures, claiming that the actual number of stray dogs may be only two to three lakh. The court adjourned the matter to Aug 11. 'Humans and animals must coexist' During hearing, a counsel questioned the implementation of the euthanasia provisions under the ABC Rules, 2023. In response, HC orally asked, "Have you been bitten by a dog? ...Last month, a child from Kannur died of rabies despite being vaccinated. Only when you are bitten do you truly understand the pain and the suffering. It is very easy to stand outside and say these things…" The court added that while humans and animals must coexist, a practical solution to the growing problem is essential. It remarked that human rights override animal rights. HC also took note of the apex court, on Monday, initiating suo motu proceedings based on a TOI report regarding the death of a child in Delhi due to rabies.
New Indian Express
4 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Kerala govt plans tax incentive to boost source-level waste management
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government is planning to introduce a 5% discount on property tax for households with source-level waste management systems in a bid to encourage people to adopt processing of biodegradable garbage at the place of origin. Disposal of biodegradable waste remains a major challenge for the local self-government department (LSGD) and its source-level management remains low despite the state government's flagship cleanliness campaign, 'Malinya Muktha Nava Keralam'. A recent survey by the LSGD revealed that only 23% of households currently manage waste at source, prompting the government to think about incentives to woo the people to its processing at place of origin. The survey launched by the Suchitwa Mission in 94.58 lakh households found that only 25.12 lakh households possess some kind of waste management infrastructure like kitchen bins, ring compost, biogas plant or composting pits. LSGD Minister M B Rajesh told TNIE that the 5% discount is under government's serious consideration. 'Though the (Malinya Muktha Nava Keralam) campaign helped the local bodies in improving overall waste management, it failed to generate the expected impact on households. We want more households to adopt source-level waste management systems,' he said. Centralised waste management facilities are only for major cities and will focus only on bulk waste generators, Rajesh said. 'A final decision on the tax discount will be announced next week after analysing its financial impact on the local bodies,' the minister added.
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Infopark Phase III land pooling clears key hurdle
Kochi: The proposed Phase III campus of Infopark, planned in 300 acres in Kizhakkambalam panchayat, is a step closer to reality with the local self govt department (LSGD) formally appointing the greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) as the land pooling agency for the project. Earlier, the govt had decided to implement the Phase III project using the land pooling model and nominated GCDA as the executing agency. However, since Kizhakkambalam lies outside GCDA's jurisdiction, the agency sought special approval to proceed. With the latest LSGD order, GCDA has now been officially authorized to carry out land pooling in the area. A GCDA official confirmed that the new order removes a major procedural hurdle. However, further progress depends on the approval of the IT department, which has yet to give the green light to Infopark authorities. The proposal has been pending with the department for several months. The govt envisions a township-model IT hub under Phase III in the Kunnathunadu assembly constituency. As per the land pooling scheme, landowners will receive 60% of their original land post-development, with the value expected to rise three to four times. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years IC Markets Learn More Undo Since this is Kerala's first project to follow the land pooling approach, GCDA recently hosted a workshop to familiarize stakeholders with the process. Demand for additional space at Infopark has been rising steadily. Phases I and II are already at full capacity, with over 600 companies operating and more than 70,000 professionals employed. Currently, more than 120 firms are on the waiting list for space. The Phase III expansion is expected to attract investments of around Rs 12,000 crore and generate IT employment for over one lakh individuals.
News18
16-07-2025
- Health
- News18
Euthanasia For Animals With Incurable Diseases: Kerala Announces Plan To Tackle Stray Dog Menace
Last Updated: Kerala government has announced it will invoke Section 8 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Rules, 2023, which allows for euthanasia of animals under specific circumstances. In a decisive move to address the growing menace of stray dogs, the Kerala government has announced that it will invoke Section 8 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Animal Husbandry Practices and Procedures) Rules, 2023, which allows for euthanasia of animals under specific circumstances. The decision was made during a joint meeting involving the Local Self Government Department (LSGD), Animal Husbandry, and Law Departments. Local Self Government Minister MB Rajesh clarified that the state will strictly follow the legal provisions laid out in the 2023 rules. As per Section 8, euthanasia can be administered to animals that are either mortally wounded or suffering from incurable diseases, provided a certified veterinary practitioner confirms the condition and written consent is obtained from the animal's owner or custodian. The rule is primarily intended to curb the spread of diseases and relieve animals from prolonged suffering. One of the key challenges identified in addressing the stray dog crisis is public opposition to Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres. To combat this, the state has decided to take legal action against individuals or groups disrupting the functioning of these centres. Minister Rajesh stated that local bodies can file complaints with the police, and criminal cases will be registered against those who interfere. To improve the reach and efficiency of sterilisation efforts, the state will roll out 152 portable ABC units at the block level. Each unit, costing Rs 28 lakh, will be procured by local self-government bodies. The Animal Husbandry Department has already placed an order for a pilot mobile ABC centre, which is expected to be operational within 120 days. Local bodies are tasked with identifying suitable sites for deployment in the meantime. Kerala Animal Husbandry Minister J Chinchurani expressed optimism that the mobility of these new units may reduce public resistance. She also announced a month-long vaccination campaign for stray dogs to be launched in August, followed by a similar drive for pet dogs in September. These campaigns will be carried out jointly by the LSGD and Animal Husbandry departments. To ensure smooth implementation, all-party committees will be formed at the local level. The coordinated approach reflects Kerala's commitment to managing the stray dog issue through a mix of legal provisions, community engagement, and enhanced veterinary infrastructure. view comments First Published: July 16, 2025, 17:04 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
New Indian Express
12-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Kerala's stray dog management under scanner as dog bites and rabies deaths spike
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The rise in stray dog attacks and rabies deaths have yet again reignited debates over the state's handling of the stray dog menace. Inefficiency of the local self-government institutions (LSGI) in utilising funds for implementing projects for stray dog management is cited as one of the main reasons for the rise in the attacks. As per official data, over the past two years, the LSGIs spent only Rs 13.59 crore out of the total allocation of Rs 98.93 crore. Over 1.65 lakh people have been bitten by stray dogs in Kerala in the past five months, leading to 17 deaths. The other day, Kerala State Human Rights Commission pulled up the state government demanding an action plan for managing stray dogs. Meanwhile, the LSGD is blaming the Central law for poor management of stray dogs. However, a social media post by bureaucrat N Prasanth in response to the Facebook post by LSG Minister M B Rajesh has further sparked debate. Prasanth countered Rajesh's argument, stating that the state had broader legislative options. Prasanth told TNIE that animal welfare is a subject in the Concurrent List of the Constitution, enabling states to pass context-specific laws. Citing Tamil Nadu's legislation on Jallikattu and Kerala's own 1968 law banning animal sacrifice, he said that Kerala could enact a specific law -- such as a Kerala Public Safety and Aggressive Animals Regulation Act -- to regulate or remove violent stray animals. With mounting pressure, a meeting has been called by LSGD and animal husbandry department on July 16 to discuss solutions for the crisis. Minister Rajesh told TNIE that the state has sought legal advice multiple times to address the stray dog menace and there is no such provisions to bring a legal framework to kill aggressive dogs. 'There is a Supreme Court ruling and as per existing laws, the state can only sterilise and vaccinate stray dogs. The law also restricts killing of rabid dogs and as per rule, a rabid dog should be left to die. If it was legally possible, the state would have done it already. If there is a possibility for a legal framework, we will definitely do it. This law is applicable for every state in the country and none of the other states has come up with such a law for culling dogs,' said Rajesh.
