No end to stray dog menace in Bandipora as ABC programme awaits push
Bandipora, Jan 21: The stray dog menace has spiralled out of control in north Kashmir’s Bandipora town, with the administration admitting that the solution is stalled due to a lack of resources.
Locals from areas including Plan, Nowpora, Naebrepora, Kaloosa and adjoining localities and villages said venturing out during early morning and late evening hours has become frightening due to presence of huge number of dogs. Parents of tuition going children are among those who are expressing concerns. "Leaving children alone is not an option. There is always a looming threat that dogs might attack them. Further more, children are afraid of moving out alone," said Tasmeena, a town resident.
Residents termed the situation worrisome and urged the administration to intervene before it is too late to nip the problem in the bud. The unchecked growth of the population has now led to residents becoming alarmed over dogs digging into graves at local graveyards near Neabrepora. The issue drew concern among locals and senior citizens last month triggering an immediate meeting of senior citizens, civil society members and religious leaders.
Amid the worsening situation, Basharat Najjar, former Municipal Council chairman, said the "unchecked stray dog population was directly linked to the problem."
He requested "directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court be implemented by arranging training sessions for Municipal Committee Bandipora employees and providing basic facilities to control the dog population." Meanwhile, president of the Traders Federation Bandipora, Ali Mohammad Hajam, said the stray dog menace "has become a nuisance for the population as a whole in Bandipora town, particularly affecting elderly people, women and children". He also appealed the concerned authorities to intervene as soon as possible.
When contacted, Executive Engineer, Municipal Council Bandipora, Aijaz Ahmad said the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme was still at a nascent stage in the town.
"The Animal Birth Control programme has been initiated, but it is in the initial phase,” he told Greater Kashmir. "It requires trained staff and equipment, which are currently not available," he added. Ahmad claimed that there are around 250 to 300 stray dogs in Bandipora town. "Our Directorate has collected details of some workers who will be trained soon. An ABC shelter will also be set up, and designated feeding points will be identified," he assured.
