PCMC Appoints Eight Zonal Officers To Address Animal-Related Complaints Across Pimpri-Chinchwad
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Pimpri-Chinchwad, March 12, 2026: The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has announced a major step to improve the handling of animal-related complaints in the city by appointing eight dedicated coordination officers for eight administrative wards.
The decision was taken following discussions in the municipal general body meeting regarding the growing issue of stray dogs in the city. Acting on instructions from Mayor Ravi Landge, the civic body has introduced a new decentralized system to ensure that citizens and elected representatives can report issues directly at the local level and receive quicker responses.
Previously, most complaints related to the veterinary department were handled centrally, which often delayed action. Under the new system, each ward will now have a designated coordination officer responsible for promptly addressing complaints and coordinating necessary action.
The veterinary department of PCMC stated that the move aims to streamline administrative work and improve efficiency in responding to public concerns. Services under this system will include treatment of stray dogs, sterilization drives, and temporary observation of aggressive animals when required.
Officials believe the new arrangement will significantly speed up the grievance redressal process and bring greater transparency in handling complaints. All actions taken by the civic body will follow the guidelines of the Animal Welfare Board of India, the administration said.
PCMC also clarified that relocation of stray dogs is not carried out, as per the established animal welfare guidelines. In accordance with directives of the Supreme Court, institutions such as schools, colleges, and hospitals have been advised to install protective fencing, appoint a nodal officer, and inform the administration about the number of stray dogs in their premises. Further action will be taken after receiving this information from the respective institutions.
Ward-Level Coordination Officers
- A Ward: Iranna Madnurkar – 9130580751
- B Ward: Sharad Rathod – 7776812090
- C Ward: Rahul Gulale – 7972609278
- D Ward: Niraj Hatwar – 7020314943
- E Ward: Samiksha Kumbhar – 9421632538
- F Ward: Suraj Shinde – 9370443815
- G Ward: Nishigandha Kachwe – 9284801177
- H Ward: Sunil Kamble – 8888442046
Mayor Ravi Landge said addressing issues related to stray dogs is crucial for public safety and that the appointment of ward-level coordinators will help citizens raise concerns more easily while ensuring faster action.
Additional Municipal Commissioner Vikrant Bagade added that the primary aim of the new system is to make civic services more accessible and efficient, enabling quicker resolution of local issues at the ward level itself



