Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is preparing to launch an extensive dog census across the city. This major initiative aims to count, tag, and record details of every dog, both stray and pet, to improve animal welfare and urban management. 
Bhubaneswar's Stray Dogs Get a Digital Makeover: BMC Launches Census with Tagging & Microchipping


BMC Mayor Sulochana Das announced the plan, stating that the corporation will create a complete digital database for all canines in the capital. The project will help authorities monitor dog populations, track health records, and enhance public safety. 
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A Detailed Plan for Counting and Identification

Officials estimate that over 80,000 dogs live in various areas of Bhubaneswar. The census will provide an exact number. As part of the program, workers will attach tags to the ears of the dogs for easy visual identification. They will also implant microchips under the dogs' skin to store important digital information.
These microchips will contain vital details such as the dog’s vaccination status, sterilization history, and, for pets, the owner’s contact information. For stray dogs, the system will record movement patterns to understand their territories and habits. 
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Goals and Benefits of the Program

Mayor Das explained that the program serves multiple important purposes. Maintaining a digital health record for each dog will allow the BMC to ensure that stray animals are vaccinated and sterilized. This helps control the population humanely and prevents the spread of diseases like rabies.
For pet dogs, registration becomes mandatory. This makes it easier to return lost pets to their owners and promotes responsible pet ownership. The mayor also highlighted that identifying and managing the stray dog population will make the city cleaner and more beautiful.
“Tagging dogs will ensure their safety and well-being,” Mayor Das said. “It will also help us manage the urban environment more effectively.”

Timeline and Implementation

The BMC has completed all preliminary work for the census and has already informed the public through media channels. However, the start date is temporarily delayed due to the ongoing rainy season, which can make fieldwork challenging.
“We will begin the program as soon as the rain stops,” the Mayor confirmed. “The census will give us a clear picture of the number of dogs and their health status. This data is crucial for our next steps in animal control and care.”

This project marks a significant step by the Bhubaneswar government toward modern, data-driven urban management. It reflects a growing effort in Indian cities to address animal welfare challenges through technology and systematic planning. The success of this census could serve as a model for other cities across the country.