Mumbai: Pets and facilities for them have become a part of the BMC poll promises. After the Shiv Sena (UBT) featured pet parks, clinics and crematoriums in their manifesto, BJP and other party candidates also promised pet parks and clinics to voters. Candidates across parties are talking about pets, and pet parents are also making their voices heard. Many are holding meetings with pet parents and dog lovers in pet parks as part of the campaign.Makarand Narwekar, BJP candidate from Ward 226 on Monday promised to formulate a comprehensive policy for pets and implement pilot initiatives such as water podiums and feeding stations for pets and strays in Colaba.“After getting elected, formulating a comprehensive pet policy will be one of my top priorities. We will begin with pet-friendly initiatives like water podiums and feeding stations in Colaba on a pilot basis. Once successful, we will push for such measures across Mumbai. These initiatives will make Mumbai a true pet-friendly metropolis,” said Makarand.Makarand was speaking at Oval Maidan during an event titled ‘Dog Walks & Neighbourhood Talks’, organised by the Oval Cooperage Residents Association (OCRA). The event saw participation from residents and featured comedian-podcaster Cyrus Broacha and food writer-actor Kunal Vijaykar as special guests. Both advocated better urban pet welfare.“Pet-related issues are a serious election issue among pet parents. Pet parents are a growing community who want facilities like pet parks and pet clinics. So we are working on these issues, and we will fulfil our promises,” said Ankit Prabhu, Sena (UBT) candidate from Ward 54.Residents raised concerns over the lack of facilities such as dustbins, water podiums and feeding stations for pets, and demanded designated pet zones in BMC gardens, along with a pet crematorium nearby.Terming the interaction very engaging, Narwekar said, “There were constructive suggestions which can be worked upon.”Last week, the Sena (UBT)-MNS launched their manifesto and promised they would build more pet parks, pet clinics, pet ambulances and pet crematoriums in the city.“Our manifesto is holistic and covers all aspects of Mumbai. Just like Mumbai, our manifesto is also diverse. Our manifesto is not a last-minute reading list; it is a well-thought-out list of real promises that can be delivered. It is practical and in tune with Mumbaikar’s aspirations too,” Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray told TOI.
