Muskan Beigh
Srinagar, July 11: The alarming rise in the number of stray dogs in several areas of Srinagar City has become a major cause of distress for local residents, who have demanded urgent action to curb the menace.
The surge in stray dogs has been observed in various areas of the city including Nowgam, Bhatshanagar, Chanapora, Natipora, and several other localities.
The residents of these areas said there has been a sharp increase in the canine population, which poses a grave threat to their lives, especially children, the elderly and women.
“The situation has become so severe that we find it difficult to move freely outside our homes, particularly during the early morning and evening hours when the risk of encountering aggressive dogs is higher,” said a local from Nowgam.
Feroz Ahmad Reshi, a resident of Bhatshanagar, said, “The number of dogs in our neighborhood has multiplied rapidly. There are thousands of dogs here, roaming in groups. Previously, they couldn’t jump over a four-foot wall, but now they effortlessly climb nine-foot walls.”
“When they enter our houses, they attack anyone in the courtyard, be it children, the elderly, women, or anyone present there,” said, adding that it is not just a concern for children and women but men are also fearful of these dogs.
The residents of these areas said they have lodged complaints with the municipality, but the measures taken so far have proven ineffective.
“The municipality sent a vehicle with 8 to 10 people who used a net to catch the dogs. However, by midnight, their numbers increase again. The situation has worsened since they took away some dogs,” said Mohammad Ismail Wani, a resident of Chanapora.
Wani said the dire situation has forced them to take extreme precautions and restrict their movements as they avoid going out alone, even for basic tasks such as picking up their children from the school bus stop or going to the mosque for prayer.
The residents reiterated their plea to the Srinagar Municipal Corporation authorities to take immediate and effective measures to curb the stray dog population.
Despite several attempts, SMC Commissioner Athar Amir Khan could not be reached for comment.
