Panvel: In a significant move to promote animal welfare, the Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) has installed notice boards at public gardens and roadside locations throughout its jurisdiction. The initiative, launched on August 9-10, aims to educate citizens about the Animal Welfare Law and the rules and regulations concerning cruelty to animals.

These boards provide detailed information on safeguarding strays, domestic, and wild animals, including penalties for cruelty or killing, as stipulated by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI).

The initiative was spurred by recent complaints from activists Seema Tank and Sanchu Menon, who reported incidents of cruelty towards strays and wildlife, including flamingos. Their appeals to Nilesh Bawaskar, former corporator, and Mr. Gosawi of PMC led to this proactive measure. The installation of these boards aims to raise awareness and deter potential offenders.

Nilesh Bawaskar emphasized that these notice boards will significantly impact public awareness and help prevent acts of animal cruelty. He stated, "The boards installed by Panvel Mahanagar Palika will alert the public and encourage them to adhere to animal welfare laws."

Seema Tank expressed her gratitude to PMC for this initiative and called on other municipal corporations, including NMMC and BMC, to adopt similar measures. She remarked, “Animal welfare laws are crucial and should be made accessible to everyone. The Panvel Municipal Corporation’s efforts, supported by Mr. Nilesh Bawaskar and PMC officers, are a commendable step towards protecting animals and raising public awareness.”