Rabies has become a serious problem in India. Every year, around 5,700 people lose their lives solely due to this disease. The government has set an ambitious target to make India rabies-free by 2030. But the big question is: how realistic is this goal? “The dream of a rabies-free India will only come true if agencies carry out their responsibilities with sincerity and efficiency,” said Anurag Jain, a Delhi-based advocate, stressing that merely setting targets will not be enough unless agencies act with commitment on the ground.

The seriousness of the challenge is evident from the fact that even in the national capital, Delhi, several government hospitals do not have anti-rabies vaccines in stock. Sterilization and vaccination programs for stray dogs remain stalled. Recently, the Supreme Court directed the Delhi Municipal Corporation and the New Delhi Municipal Council to carry out sterilization and vaccination of stray dogs. Yet, despite the apex court’s order, the campaign has not gathered momentum.

Statistics reveal the gravity of the situation. In 2023, India recorded 3.5 million dog-bite cases, up from 2.19 million cases in 2022. Nearly 99% of rabies infections result from dog bites. Alarmingly, India alone accounts for 36% of rabies deaths worldwide. Just recently, a young girl in Delhi died of rabies. Her family claimed she lost her life because treatment was not provided on time.

The Supreme Court has also expressed concern over the rising menace of rabies and stray dogs. Taking suo motu cognizance of frequent dog-bite incidents and rabies-related deaths, the Court called the situation “deeply worrying and frightening.” On August 11, a bench led by Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan issued directives to capture all stray dogs, house them in shelters, sterilize and vaccinate them, and not release them back. However, this order drew strong opposition from animal rights activists, who filed petitions seeking to overturn it.

Later, the Court modified its earlier directive, allowing the release of sterilized dogs but banning public feeding in open areas. It further instructed municipal authorities to create designated feeding zones in every ward and extended the scope of its order to the entire country.

How dangerous is rabies?

Rabies is an infectious disease that usually spreads through dog bites or scratches. The virus attacks the human brain, and once symptoms appear, the disease is almost 100% fatal. Doctors emphasize that rabies is entirely preventable if recognized early and treated with proper vaccination. Unfortunately, lack of awareness and delayed access to healthcare make it deadly in many cases. “The government has framed regulations, allocated budgets, and ensured vaccine availability. What is now needed is coordinated action by local bodies, civil society, and resident groups,” added advocate Anurag Jain.