Hashim Bilal
Srinagar, June 3 (Gulistan News): The stray dog menace in Srinagar has become a city-wide safety concern, with residents reporting frequent dog attacks, bites and fear, especially during the early morning and late evening hours.
Areas like Safakadal, Nawakadal, Hawal, Pandan Nowhatta, Batamaloo, Chattabal, Bemina, Jawaharnagar are among the worst affected. Residents in these localities say stray dogs are roaming in packs, creating fear among people.
“We can’t even go out for Fajr and Isha prayers. The dogs move in large groups, and it’s terrifying to step outside in the dark,” said Ghulam Nabi Dar, a shopkeeper from Sutra Shahi.
“Even our business is suffering as customers avoid the market in the evenings due to fear.” He added
Basheer Ahmad, another resident, said poor garbage management is making the problem worse. “Garbage dustbins placed in residential lanes attract these dogs. I request the authorities to relocate these dustbins to more suitable locations,” he said.
Parents in the area are also worried about their children.
Iqbal Ahmad, a local resident, said, “Our children leave for school early in the morning, which is when the dogs are most active. We are constantly worried something might happen to them.”
Mushtaq Ahmad, another shopkeeper, said the issue has turned life in the area difficult. “The presence of stray dogs has turned a peaceful locality into a danger zone. It’s not just a nuisance anymore, it’s a serious safety issue,” he said.
Residents in these areas say they have been facing this problem for years without any meaningful response.
Civil society members and locals are asking the administration to take immediate steps. They have demanded sterilization drives, proper garbage disposal systems and the deployment of dog control teams to deal with the issue.
When contacted, it was learnt that the post of Municipal Veterinary Officer at the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) has been vacant for a long time, further raising concerns about the lack of action on this issue.
(Gulistan News)
