New Delhi: Lieutenant governor TS Sandhu Tuesday laid the foundation stone for MCD’s first dog shelter in Dwarka’s Sector-29.Spread across approximately 6,050 square metres, the facility will provide shelter, care and rehabilitation to 1,500 strays.The project is estimated to cost over Rs 3.7 crore. “The project is financed by GMR and MCD won’t have to spend a single penny,” the LG said. The shelter will be developed through CSR support extended by GMR Varalakshmi Foundation.The initiative marks a step towards ensuring that the capital’s growing population of strays is treated with the care and dignity that every living creature deserves, Sandhu said.Officials said the facility will be constructed in a manner that allows vertical expansion if required. As directed by the court, a large open area will be kept for the recreation of strays.The LG said all stakeholders must be involved in the shelter’s operation, including dog lovers, resident welfare associations (RWAs) and NGOs. He added that veterinarians and subject experts should also be brought in to ensure the facility is run on sound, scientific and compassionate lines.The LG also inspected Delhi’s only cremation centre for small animals. In May, Supreme Court upheld its direction asking states to remove stray dogs from institutional areas such as schools, hospitals and transport hubs. The court observed that people have a fundamental right to move safely in public spaces. It also asked civic bodies to develop dog shelters.MCD is accordingly working out a plan to set up a second dog shelter on 6.6 acres in Mukundpur to house aggressive or biting stray dogs picked up from neighbouring areas, while the remaining area will be developed into a dog crematorium and an animal birth control sterilisation centre.“The land belongs to MCD and has been handed over to the veterinary department for developing the facility. We are preparing the project plan,” an official said earlier.