Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, July 10: In a first-of-its-kind initiative in India, the Karnataka government and Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) have launched a Rs 2.8 crore project to provide daily chicken and egg biryani meals to stray dogs across eight city zones.

The ambitious scheme aims to feed roughly 600-700 stray dogs per zone, targeting a total of 5,000 dogs initially—out of Bengaluru’s estimated 3 lac street dogs. The BBMP has called for tenders to supply this special biryani meal, stirring a heated debate among citizens and officials alike.

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Critics argue the plan raises serious questions about priorities, highlighting the city’s ongoing struggles with inadequate basic infrastructure like roads, water, food, and housing. Many see this lavish feeding programme for stray dogs as an extravagant use of taxpayer money, while supporters view it as a compassionate move for animal welfare.

This controversial project shines a spotlight on the fine line between humane treatment of animals and responsible urban governance, sparking fierce discussions on whether Bengaluru’s resources are being fairly balanced between people and its four-legged residents.