Unchecked dog population, lives at risk
Srinagar, Aug 2: A sharp rise in the stray dog population across Srinagar is causing serious safety concerns for both commuters and pedestrians, particularly two-wheeler riders and early morning walkers. In a chilling reminder of this growing menace, a middle-aged man was critically injured in Bemina on Saturday after his motorcycle skidded off the road while reportedly being chased by a pack of stray dogs.
As per reports, Naseer Ahmed Khan, a resident of MIG Colony Bemina, was on his motorcycle when he was suddenly attacked by several dogs. In a desperate attempt to escape, he lost control of his bike, resulting in a severe head injury.
This incident has once again reignited public outrage over the unchecked stray dog crisis that continues to endanger lives across the city. Residents say such attacks are becoming routine, especially during early mornings and late evenings, when dog activity peaks.
“Every time I leave for work before sunrise, I feel like I’m going into a war zone. These dogs chase you down narrow lanes. I’ve fallen twice trying to speed away,” said Farooq Ahmad, a government employee who rides a scooter from Nowhatta.
Residents said in Srinagar’s downtown, uptown, Hazratbal, and outskirts like Habak, Tailbal, and Bemina are riddled with heaps of uncollected garbage and open dustbins, which residents and experts alike identify as a key spots for dog herds.
“There is a massive garbage pile near my home in Batapora. We have complained multiple times, but it keeps growing. The site has huge number of dogs. We can’t even walk our kids to school,” said Rafiq Ahmad, a resident.
Meanwhile, joggers and fitness enthusiasts are also feeling the heat. They said that morning walks have turned into high-alert missions.
“We don’t jog anymore without sticks. Women, especially, are scared to go out alone. It’s unsafe and unacceptable,” said Fozia Akhtar, a jogger from Hazratbal.
The locals said that Two-wheeler riders remain particularly vulnerable. They said multiple incidents have been reported in the last year where riders suffered grave injuries after being chased by stray dogs. Locals recount harrowing tales of being forced to abandon bikes mid-ride and run for their lives.
“After dusk, it’s impossible to ride a two-wheeler through Downtown without a pack of dogs appearing out of nowhere. We are being forced to switch to cars just to feel safe, but not everyone can afford that,” said Adil Malik, a local from Downtown.
While the authorities often promise mass sterilization drives, implementation remains far from effective. The city currently has two dog sterilization centres, one at Tengpora and another at Shuhama, but both face operational issues in winters.
An official acknowledged that they have faced operational issues with the sterilization programs but said he is hopeful that the issue will be addressed soon.
“We will speed up the sterilization program so that results are visible. The program will be accelerated so that a larger number of dogs are sterilized for the desired outcome,” said an official.
