Srinagar, Feb 27: Residents of Mehjoor Nagar in Srinagar have raised serious concerns over the growing menace of stray dogs in the locality, alleging that the situation has worsened in recent weeks and poses a threat to public safety.

Locals said packs of stray dogs can be seen roaming freely in residential lanes, main roads and around marketplaces, creating fear among children, elderly persons and morning walkers. “It has become difficult to step out early in the morning or late in the evening. The dogs move in groups and often chase pedestrians,” said a resident.
Parents expressed particular concern for school-going children, stating that several incidents of dogs chasing or attempting to bite people have been reported. “We accompany our children to bus stops because we are scared to let them go alone,” another local said.
Residents also complained that the presence of open garbage dumps in and around the area is attracting stray dogs, leading to their increasing concentration in residential pockets. They urged the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) to intensify sterilisation drives and ensure proper waste management to address the root cause of the issue.
Some shopkeepers in the area said that customers hesitate to visit markets due to the stray dog problem, especially during evening hours. “This is affecting business as well. Authorities need to take immediate action,” a trader remarked.
The residents have appealed to the concerned departments to launch a comprehensive drive, including sterilisation, vaccination and relocation measures, to control the stray dog population and ensure the safety of the public. They stressed that timely intervention is essential to prevent any untoward incidents in the locality.