BBMP GBA Transition impact on ABC ARV & Public Health & Animal Welfare

11 September 2025

To: The Special Commissioner (Health & Education), Greater Bangalore Authority (GBA)

Cc: The Chief Commissioner, GBA;

The Honourable Health Minister; Joint

Director, Animal Husbandry (BBMP/GBA); Assistant Directors, Animal Husbandry (All Zones)

Subject: Urgent Clarification and Assurance Required on Continuity of ABC/ARV Program During BBMP to GBA Transition

Dear Mr Mr. Suralkar,

We at the CJ Memorial Trust write to you today with deep concern regarding the continuity and stability of the Animal Birth Control and Anti-Rabies Vaccination (ABC/ARV) program across Bangalore, in light of the administrative transition from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to the Greater Bangalore Authority (GBA).

The ABC/ARV program is a critical public health pillar, safeguarding both animal welfare and community health across the city. The eight former BBMP zones—East, West, South, Yelahanka, Mahadevapura, Bommanahalli, RR Nagar, and Dasarahalli—must continue to serve their constituents without interruption.

We had proactively written to the BBMP in May 2025  seeking clarity on their preparedness for this transition, assuminmg a larger square km range and more panchayats added. Now, as the GBA replaces the BBMP with its new five-corporation structure, the implications for the ABC program are massive. They encompass the transition of the entire BBMP structure, the future of physical ABC center establishments, zonal coverage, redrawn boundaries, the continuity of existing work orders, contracts, MOUs, and the crucial administrative roles within the Animal Husbandry department.

While we understand the complexities of such a large-scale administrative transition, we cannot comprehend any justification for the stoppage of ABC work. It was therefore shocking to learn that a week ago, ABC centers in RR Nagar and Mahadevapura ceased operations, unable to to pick up dogs on BBMP JD’s message , as their work orders had expired. This is a fundamental failure of administrative foresight. Essential public health services, be it a Primary Health Centre or an ABC center, cannot be halted abruptly due to an administrative change; continuity must be ensured.

We have raised this issue at the highest levels, including with MP Shri Mohan, the Health Minister, and Chief Commissioner Mr. Rao, all of whom have  reaffirmed that the ABC program as a public health program  cannot and must not stop. While we were assured the situation would be rectified, on-the-ground reports confirm that centers in RR Nagar and Mahadevapura remain non-functional (though East zone is operational). Furthermore, work orders for the remaining zones are set to expire on the 25th of this month. We must understand the action plan now to prevent a city-wide collapse of the program.

The impact of each non-functional center is severe. One center stopping work results in approximately 500 dogs not being neutered per month, potentially leading to thousands of unwanted pups and a significant setback in rabies control and street dog population management. This is too critical an impact to be ignored.

Despite our attempts to get clarity by speaking with several Assistant Directors and the Joint Director, Dr. Chandraih, we have not received a clear response.

Therefore, we earnestly request your immediate intervention to:

1.     Confirm that all ABC/ARV centers will continue their work without pause until the GBA's new structure and design for the program is formally implemented. On what basis will GBA remap the current 8 zonal ADs (East, West, South, RR Nagar, Mahadevapura Dasarahalli, Bomanhalli, Yelahanka,) against the  5 new commissions The structure, leadership and corporation/contractors under each also needs to be mapped soonest.

2.     Issue immediate instructions to reactivate the currently non-functional centers in RR Nagar and Mahadevapura and ensure all zones are operational . We should be preemptive not not reactive

3.     Provide a clear and communicated plan for the status of work orders, contracts, and operations post-September 25th to prevent another crisis. Please also confirm how this will impact the Sahaya app, rescue and feeling plans and street dog ABC ARV metrics and data

4.     Ensure that during this transition, proper consultation is held with citizens and animal welfare organizations to design a practical and effective ABC/ARV program within the new five-zone construct of the GBA. There must be a timeline for the respective BBMP AH Asst Directors  to move the data of financial and systems to the new commissions. The countdown and operationalisation date must be discussed and announced. This is a serious public health issue impacting all citizens, so we hope an open zoom meeting etc will be announced so citizens can understand the countdown and transition better, and can support the GBA and its 5 commissions more concretely.  

We trust that you will act with the urgency this public health issue demands to ensure that the welfare of citizens and animals is not compromised by an administrative change in nomenclature.

We await your prompt confirmation and response.

Sincerely,

For CJ Memorial Trust

Trustee

Earlier letter of GBA Impact semt 3 May