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| Canines rule the roost in Baramulla town | | | Syed Tahir Bukhari
BARAMULLA, Mar 6: The stray dog menace is assuming alarming proportions in this North Kashmir district with canine bites and rabies cases showing an unprecedented increase. Rough estimates says around 7,105 cases of rabies were treated in different hospitals of the Kashmir valley during last year with around 2900 cases of rabies were reported in the district hospital here.
With no respite in place, the residents of Baramulla have been repeatedly demanding action from the municipal authorities and government but without any success. With growing piles of open garbage across the town the municipal authorities have failed miserably in effective garbage disposals.
Such is the fear of these stray canines that in many cases parents have to depute an elder along with children to tuitions or schools. In many cases children are confined to their indoors as they fear they would be mauled by dogs once they go out. Rough estimates say that around 500 dogs are roaming here in main markets of Azadgunj, Khanpora, Jadeed, Kanispora, Ushkara and Khawaja Bagh.
"Life has become hell for the people. It has become difficult for residents of these areas to live a safe and secure life here. One fails to understand where from these dogs have come in such a huge number. Dozens of children are bitten by dogs every day but the government seems to be sleeping," said Pervaiz Ahmad.
Pervaiz said that 13 people, most of them children, have been attacked by stray dogs in Noorbagh area of Baramulla town.
He said the people have failed to understand the policy of government of not paying any heed towards the problem of stray dog menace.
"Our lives have been threatened due to the presence of dogs. It has become difficult for one and all to move out of our houses whenever in need," said Bashir Ahmad Rather, a senior citizen. Bashir adds, "My sister was attacked by 50 dogs at a time, fortunately army men rescued her. Otherwise they would have killed my sister."
Residents of these areas allege that the authorities of Municipal Committee are more concerned towards the welfare of dogs than human beings.
They threatened to stage protest demonstrations outside the office of the Municipal Committee, Baramulla in case speedy action is not taken in this matter.
"The present government seems in money making business and costly sterilization. The presence of dogs is a matter of grave concern but still then there is no relief for the common masses. The municipal authorities should pull up the socks so that the people move around the locality freely without any fear whatsoever," said Javid Ahmad of Baramulla.
Executive Officer, Baramulla Municipal Committee (BMC) Imtiyaz Ahmad said they are acting on the Supreme Court orders adding that they can only go for dog sterilization. Imtiyaz said that Supreme Court has ordered for dog sterilization adding that after sterilization these dogs were supposed to live in the same area.
The Jammu and Kashmir government has started sterilization of dogs in Srinagar. "We have started sterilization of dogs. We have also improved the situation on the sanitation front," said a senior J&K government officer in Baramulla.
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