Srinagar, Sept 28 (KNS) : World Rabies Day, observed annually on September 28, was today commemorated at the Srinagar Municipal Corporation’s (SMC) Animal Birth Control and Anti-Rabies Vaccination (ABC/ARV) Center at Tengpora with renewed resolve to eliminate rabies under the global theme “Act Now: You, Me, Community.” The observance aims to raise public awareness about rabies, a preventable yet fatal disease, while paying tribute to Louis Pasteur, the scientist who developed the first rabies vaccine.
On this occasion, Ms. Mandeep Kaur, IAS, Commissioner Secretary to the Government, Housing & Urban Development Department (H&UDD), visited the ABC/ARV Center. She was accompanied by Mr. Faz Lul Haseeb, IAS, Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), senior officials, veterinary officer, and staff.
During the visit,Mandeep inspected the facilities, reviewed the ongoing ABC/ARV programme, observed sterilization and vaccination procedures, and interacted with veterinary professionals to evaluate the effectiveness of the initiative aimed at controlling the stray dog population and curbing rabies transmission.
Speaking on the occasion, the Commissioner Secretary highlighted that rabies represents a One Health challenge, being a disease at the animal–human–environment interface, with cases in dogs, humans, and livestock closely linked.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelShe stressed the need for a comprehensive, multi-sectoral strategy involving vaccination drives, public education, and strong community participation to achieve the goal of a rabies-free Srinagar.
As part of the day’s observance, SMC organized a Free Anti-Rabies Vaccination Camp for animals at the Tengpora Animal Shelter Centre, benefiting pet owners and local communities. Mementos were distributed among animal lovers and volunteers, acknowledging their compassion and continued contribution to animal welfare.
Commissioner SMC, Mr. Faz Lul Haseeb, reiterated SMC’s commitment to intensifying sterilization and vaccination coverage across Srinagar, ensuring public health safety while promoting a humane approach towards the city’s stray animal population.
The event concluded with a message of empathy and collective responsibility:
“Rabies elimination is not possible without community participation, and community participation is not possible without empathy. Let us not see strays as threats but as sentient companions deserving of care and protection.”
The observance reaffirmed the government’s resolve to create a healthier, safer, and more compassionate Srinagar through sustained action, awareness, and citizen involvement.(KNS)