India’s First Disaster Shelter for Animals to be Built in Kerala by 2026

Wayanad: Kerala will soon be home to India’s first disaster shelter for animals. The first of its kind disaster shelter for animals will be set up in Kottathara village, aiming to protect and rehabilitate animals that are injured, displaced, or otherwise affected by natural disasters and calamities. 

Given how Wayanad faces frequent natural disasters, such a facility is a necessity to shelter and care for animals during calamities. Along with provisions for disaster management, the shelter will also act as a long-term hub for the welfare of animals in the community. 

The project is a joint venture between the Wayanad District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Kottathara Grama Panchayat, and Humane World for Animals India. project is estimated to cost INR 69.5 Lakh, which will be covered by Humane World for Animals India. 

The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has sanctioned a one-time payment of Rs 10 lakh from its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fund as corpus funding. The project will be overseen by the DDMA, with the grama panchayat overseeing its long-term operations.

The facility, set to open by 2026, will be built on 50 cents of land allocated by Kottathara Grama Panchayat. The Kerala government approved the project, requiring the local body to cover annual operational costs. The initiative has set precedent with regards to animal welfare efforts being integrated into disaster management initiatives in the country.