Raja Syed Rather
Srinagar, Oct 1: Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is facing a growing crisis due to the rising number of stray dogs, instilling fear among residents and restricting their movement, particularly after dark.
The Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), however, has so far failed to act effectively on the ground.
Localities including Jawahar Nagar, Sanat Nagar, Chanapora, and several others have been badly affected. For residents, stray dogs have become a daily menace. Municipal authorities continue to maintain silence over the issue.
While the Supreme Court has banned the killing of stray dogs, residents argue that alternative measures could still be implemented to control their population and ensure public safety. Communities across Kashmir are waiting for concrete steps to address the growing problem.
Sources within the Srinagar Municipal Corporation said that funds earmarked for sterilization of stray dogs have been drastically curtailed, leaving the corporation with little room to act.
“The implementation of the dog sterilization project has been virtually halted due to curtailment of funds. It requires proper planning, mechanisms, and resources to carry out the initiative across Srinagar. But over the past few years, funds under this head have continued to shrink, and we are now struggling to move forward,” a senior SMC officer said.
Meanwhile, in the Waliwar area of Tehsil Lar, stray dogs attacked 20 people in the last three days, leaving many injured and creating panic across the locality.
Residents said that dogs have launched sudden attacks on women, children, and men, leaving them badly wounded.
The injured were shifted to nearby health centers, while some were referred to SKIMS Soura and Bone and Joint Hospital Barzulla for specialized treatment. Several victims are still under medical care, while others have been discharged but are required to take daily anti-rabies injections. Fear has gripped the area, with many residents avoiding stepping outside. Schoolchildren, in particular, are reluctant to attend classes.
Locals alleged that they have repeatedly informed the Municipal Council Ganderbal about the issue, but no action has been taken so far. The situation has worsened to the extent that residents are now avoiding nearby streams for drinking water out of fear of dog attacks.
People in Waliwar and across Ganderbal district are demanding immediate measures to curb the menace of stray dogs, which they say has become a serious public safety concern.
