Stray dogs on prowl at Chanapora
Srinagar, Jan 20: Presence of a large number of stray dogs is causing immense inconvenience to locals at Chanpora locality here on city outskirts.
The problem has assumed horrendous dimensions as the access to emergency medical care at Public Health Centre (PHC) in the locality is being severely obstructed due to the increasing presence of stray dogs— leaving patients and residents in distress.
Regardless of the hospital’s improved facilities, the routes leading to the entrance are inundated with packs of dogs, posing a safety risk to patients, especially during early morning and late evening hours.
“I have to carry a stick to feel safe. You will find dogs on every corner of this road,” said Mehjabeen, a resident. “As it gets dark early in winter, a visit to the hospital might cause a dog to chase you.”
The hospital caters to the emergency medical needs of thousands of people living nearby. Although the hospital is located a few metres away from the main road, dozens of stray dogs gather in the lanes connecting to it.
“A few weeks ago, I saw a couple carrying an injured child taking another route as the dogs were about to attack them,” said Ajaz Ahmed, a nearby shopkeeper.
The huge, stinking heaps of garbage piled up on both sides of the lanes attract dozens of stray dogs.
“The hospital is an essential service that must be free from all safety threats, especially for elderly and child visitors. Dogs have gradually entered the hospital premises as well. At least two dogs are present regularly to greet patients on arrival. I screamed out of fear when I witnessed so many dogs gathering near the gate of the hospital” said Mymoona,a patient. The responsibility to keep the area trash-free equally lies with the residents living nearby. Waste needs to be disposed of properly under the guidance of SMC.
“We try our level best, but SMC has failed to check the stray dog menace and ensure proper solid waste management,” said Ghulam Mohammad, a resident.
The stray dog menace not only hinders the patient influx but also poses a risk to the hospital staff. The locals appealed to the SMC Commissioner to look into the matter.
By: Saima Rashid khan