The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has enacted new guidelines to regulate the feeding of stray animals on its campus, limiting this activity to 19 designated locations. This decision follows troubling wildlife encounters,including an incident where a leopard reportedly took stray dog from a residential area on campus.
In an effort to enhance safety and hygiene, the institute's public health office has implemented these measures,which are now prominently displayed throughout residential areas. The guidelines restrict feeding to specific spots, prohibiting it in other areas, including hostels. Only authorized individuals,such as students,faculty, and staff, are permitted to feed community animals,while visitors and delivery personnel are barred from doing so.
Violators of these new regulations face significant penalties. A first offence will incur a fine of INR 10,000,while repeat offenders will be subject to a heftier penalty of INR 25,000 . The institute has warned that persistent non-compliance could lead to the cancellation of entry passes and permanent restrictions on campus access.
These guidelines also address animal welfare,explicitly prohibiting the feeding of spoiled or unsafe food to animals. The administration has stated that administering poison or harmful substances to animals will be treated as a serious violation,potentially resulting in immediate expulsion from residential facilities and legal consequences.
In addition to the feeding regulations,IIT Bombay has introduced rules for pet owners residing on campus. Residents must register their pets on the civic body's portal,and pet dogs are not allowed inside academic buildings. The institute's Powai campus,located near forested areas,has experienced previous wildlife interactions, prompting these new measures aimed at balancing animal welfare with the safety and cleanliness requirements of a large educational institution.
The recent changes reflect IIT Bombay's commitment to maintaining a safer environment for its community while ensuring responsible animal management practices. The guidelines are part of a broader initiative to address the complexities of living in proximity to wildlife,which has become increasingly relevant in urban settings.
