Srinagar, June 28: Residents of Rawalpora area of Srinagar, are voicing growing concern over the increasing presence of stray dogs near an open rubbish dump in the area. Locals say the unchecked rise in the dog population has become a serious public safety issue, particularly for children, elderly citizens and early morning commuters.
“The number of stray dogs has grown significantly. They gather in packs near the rubbish dump every morning. It’s no longer safe to walk freely in our own neighbourhood,” said Haseeb Malik, a local resident.
Several residents report incidents of dogs chasing pedestrians and even vehicles. Parents fear for their children’s safety, especially near bus stops. “My children are scared to walk alone. The dogs bark aggressively as they pass,” said Nilofer Qadri, a mother of two.
The issue is also affecting the elderly. “I used to go for prayers twice a day without worry. Now, I am afraid to step outside, especially in the early hours,” said Ghulam Mohammad, an elderly resident.
Residents point to the open rubbish dump as the primary cause and are calling on the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) to take immediate action. “The dump not only attracts stray dogs but also poses serious health risks. It undermines the city’s Smart Mission sanitation goals,” said Zubair Qureshi, another resident. “It goes against the goals of the Smart City Mission, which aims to improve sanitation across Srinagar. We urge the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) to install covered dustbins and take effective steps to curb the stray dog menace.”
Responding to the complaints, a senior SMC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said efforts are underway to intensify sterilisation drives to control the stray dog population in a humane manner. “We are working on a comprehensive strategy across Srinagar, including Rawalpora,” the official said. As for the issue of waste disposal, the official noted that covered bins had been removed earlier due to hygiene concerns. “While they prevented dogs from accessing waste, they unfortunately led to fly and insect infestations. We are exploring alternative solutions that balance sanitation with public safety.” While authorities assure that steps are being taken, residents of Rawalpora remain on edge, hoping for swift and effective measures to reclaim safety in their neighbourhood.
