Srinagar Faces Mounting Pressure to Address Uncontrolled Stray Dog Population
Srinagar, the summer capital of the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, is grappling with a growing stray dog menace that has cast a shadow over the city’s livability and safety. The unchecked proliferation of stray dogs has become a major source of concern for residents, particularly pedestrians, who face constant threats of dog bites and attacks.
The failure of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) to effectively manage the stray dog population has exacerbated the situation. The SMC’s sterilization program has been hampered by its slow pace and limited capacity, leaving a significant portion of the stray dog population unsterilized and free to roam the streets.
The presence of stray dogs has become particularly disruptive in areas like Lal Chowk, the city’s commercial hub. Packs of stray dogs roam the streets, causing inconvenience and posing a risk to visitors and locals alike. Residents have expressed frustration with the lack of action from the authorities, emphasizing that the “Smart City” initiative should not only focus on beautification but also prioritize the safety of its citizens.
Dog bite cases have been on the rise in Srinagar, a direct consequence of the unchecked stray dog population. Residents, especially children and the elderly, are particularly vulnerable to these attacks, which can result in severe injuries and even death.
Shopkeepers in Downtown Srinagar have also voiced their concerns about the growing stray dog menace, highlighting how the presence of stray dogs impedes movement and disrupts business activities. Local residents from various areas of Srinagar have echoed these concerns, pointing to open waste dumps on roads as breeding grounds for stray dogs.
In response to the mounting pressure, the SMC has initiated a major sterilization drive, aiming to control the stray dog population through spaying and neutering. The Tengpora sterilization facility has been commissioned to increase the capacity for sterilization procedures.
SMC Commissioner Athar Aamir Khan has acknowledged the challenges posed by the stray dog population and expressed commitment to addressing the issue. He stated that the first phase of the sterilization program has been completed in around eight municipal wards of Srinagar. However, he recognized that there is a long way to go, emphasizing the need for a sustained effort to achieve a significant reduction in the stray dog population.
Data from the Anti-Rabies Clinic at SMHS Hospital reveals a staggering 346 canine bite cases in Srinagar between April and October 2023, the highest number across Kashmir. This alarming figure underscores the urgency of addressing the stray dog menace, as the safety of residents is at stake.
Abdul Hamid, a Srinagar resident, emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy to tackle the stray dog issue. He stressed that the current sterilization efforts, while necessary, may not be sufficient to address the sheer magnitude of the problem. With an estimated one lakh stray dogs in Srinagar alone, a more holistic approach is required to effectively manage the population and mitigate the associated risks.
