GHMC mandates crèches at construction sites to protect workers’ children from stray dogs

Hyderabad: In response to the growing concern over dog bite incidents involving the children of construction workers, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has directed developers and builders to set up crèche facilities at construction sites.

The move is aimed to protect children who are left vulnerable to stray dog attacks when their parents are away at work.

The GHMC order stated, “The owner/builder/developer shall make availability of crèche facility in every establishment having 50 or more employees as per the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017, to avoid dog bite incidents near the construction sites.”

Vulnerability of children at construction sites

Recent dog bite cases have revealed that children of daily wage workers, often left unattended at construction sites, are at higher risk of being attacked by stray dogs.

GHMC’s investigation highlighted that the presence of food waste around temporary shelters attracts stray dogs, increasing the likelihood of attacks.

The natural instincts of dogs, being carnivorous animals, further elevate the risk of them biting, especially when they roam near these shelters in search of food.

Crèche facility requirement

In line with Section 11 A (1) of the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017, GHMC has mandated that all establishments employing fifty or more workers must provide a crèche facility. The act stipulates that employers should ensure the facility is easily accessible, and allow four visits a day by mothers, including intervals for rest.

New conditions in building permits

The GHMC has instructed its town planning staff to impose specific conditions in the building permit orders issued to developers.

According to the directive, developers must ensure that crèche facilities are available in every establishment where the workforce exceeds fifty employees. This step is aimed to minimise the chances of dog bites by keeping children away from high-risk areas.

Retrofitting previously approved projects

In addition to new projects, the GHMC has also directed the town planning staff to engage with builders of previously approved projects, ensuring compliance with the crèche facility requirement.

The GHMC underscored that the implementation of this crèche facility requirement is part of a broader public health and safety initiative aimed at reducing incidents of dog bites. The directive emphasised that proactive measures like these will help protect vulnerable children and improve overall safety at construction sites.