As part of a major clean-up campaign before hosting the upcoming G20 summit, India’s capital, New Delhi, is set to capture, sterilize, and relocate thousands of stray dogs roaming its streets.

The municipal government plans to use nets to trap these canines from various locations, including around boutique hotels and significant tourist hotspots like the Red Fort.

The operation comes as authorities are working to beautify the city in preparation for the G20 summit, with efforts to clear illegal slums near summit venues and revamp major roads.

New Delhi is home to over 60,000 stray dogs, according to the Livestock Census of 2012. To control the canine population, sterilization campaigns have been conducted regularly.

Despite the efforts, packs of dogs still roam parks and residential neighborhoods, posing risks to humans.

Although the relocation plan has been met with concerns about potentially agitating the dogs, city officials are determined to ensure the megacity’s cleanliness and safety as it hosts world leaders for the prestigious international summit.