Delhi MC Demolishes Makeshift Shelter Of Pratima Devi Who Feeds Over 100 Stray Dogs

Pratima Devi, a rag-picker, who houses and feeds more than 100 dogs got her makeshift shelter demolished by Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), rendering her and her dogs homeless on Monday.

Devi has been living behind PVR Saket for more than three decades. Better known as ‘Amma’ in the neighborhood. She earned only to look after hundreds of dogs whom she feeds and cares for.

What does SDMC says?

The South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SMC) says that it received numerous complaints from local residents and the area councilor about Ms. Pratima Devi encroaching on public land and distributing drugs.

Several animal rights activists and NGOs came to Pratima Devi’s rescue and rebuilt her shelter yesterday. But the Civic officials say that if the shelter has been rebuilt by activists, it was in violation of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act.

“The rules mandate that such structures be demolished. If the shelter is back, we will have to take action,” said an SDMC official.

Statement by councillor

The area councillor, Kishanwati said that the “makeshift shelter” was made on public property and was also obstructing access to a public toilet in the complex.

 “Not just that, there were complaints from the councillor and residents that the woman gave drugs to minor rag pickers. She was also forcing them to cook food for the dogs,” she said.

 “The demolition action was taken by civic officials and I was not even present during the demolition drive,” Kishanwati said.

The animal rights activists contested the councillor’s claims

“Pratima Devi has been living here for past 35 years and helps in sterilization and vaccinations of stray dogs. Has there been any suspicion of drug peddling, the matter should have been handed over to the local police for investigation. And even if it was an encroachment, then proper notice should have been served and the action should have been taken against other encroachers in area as well,” said Ambika Shukla, who arranged a tent and blankets for Devi.

Jai Arjun Singh, a freelance writer and resident of Saket, who has been providing financial support to the Devi’s animal centre for six years said,

“The move will demotivate those working for noble cause. Through locals I even got to know that local Councillor had demanded Rs.50,000 for Devi and the step has been taken to serve the interest of local real estate people, who wanted the space for their shops.”

Reference: Hindustan Times

Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!