PCMC Partners with Mission Rabies to Launch Citywide Rabies Control Programme
PCMC Partners with Mission Rabies to Launch Citywide Rabies Control Programme
PCMC teams up with Mission Rabies to run a citywide vaccination and rapid-response programme aimed at eliminating rabies in Pimpri-Chinchwad, supported by technology, mapping and community reporting.
Pimpri-Chinchwad, December 03, 2025 – Pimpri-Chinchwad has taken a major public health step with the launch of a citywide Rabies Control Programme in partnership with Mission Rabies. The initiative began in Nigdi with the participation of civic officials, veterinary teams and field staff who will now work year-round to reduce and eventually eliminate the risk of rabies across the city. The programme combines vaccination drives, technology-based monitoring, rapid response teams and a dedicated helpline that allows citizens to report suspected cases quickly.
According to officials, specially trained teams will move through different wards conducting mass vaccination of stray and pet dogs. Each vaccination will be recorded through a digital app, allowing the civic body to track coverage and identify areas that need additional attention. Mapping tools are being used to study the dog population, helping teams plan routes and ensure no neighbourhood is left out. This organised system is designed to maintain consistency and accuracy, two challenges faced by earlier short-term campaigns.
A major element of the programme is its rapid response mechanism. If citizens spot an animal showing unusual behaviour or experience a bite incident, they can call the dedicated helpline. A trained team will visit the spot, assess the situation and take the necessary action. This approach aims to reduce delays that often occur when cases are reported through informal channels. It also helps track high-risk zones where immediate follow-up is crucial.
The initiative builds on previous efforts. Last year, PCMC and Mission Rabies carried out a week-long vaccination drive that covered hundreds of dogs in multiple localities. That campaign, held during World Rabies Day, helped raise public awareness but also made it clear that one-time vaccination drives are not enough to manage the issue at scale. The new model addresses that gap by creating a long-term plan active throughout the year.
Officials believe that combining vaccination, surveillance, data tracking and faster response will make the campaign far more effective. Rabies is preventable, yet it remains a concern in many urban areas due to unvaccinated stray dog populations and delayed treatment after bites. By bringing scientific planning and structured execution into the process, PCMC hopes to significantly reduce risks for residents while also promoting humane management of animals.
The success of the programme will also depend on public participation. Residents are encouraged to report bite cases quickly, support vaccination teams when they visit their areas and avoid spreading misinformation about stray dogs. The civic body plans awareness activities to help people understand the importance of dog vaccination and the steps to take after an animal bite.
This new collaboration between PCMC and Mission Rabies reflects a growing recognition that long-term solutions require consistent effort, not short-lived campaigns. If the system works as planned, Pimpri-Chinchwad could become a model for other cities looking to adopt structured rabies-control measures. Officials hope the programme will lead to a safer environment for both people and animals, ultimately moving the city closer to the goal of becoming completely rabies-free.
