Shimla: The capital city is currently facing a surge in stray dogs and monkey bites incidents here causing alarm among residents and tourists alike.
Stray dogs and monkeys frequently bite people, especially women and children, in areas like The Mall and Lower Bazaar, Kagnadhar and almost in every ward of the city.
The situation is so bad that daily reports of animal biting are reported at the DDU Hospital Shimla.
Every day over 15 to 20 cases of monkey bites are reported at the hospital alone. As much cases are also reported from IGMC, and other hospitals demonstrating how the menace is become a big health issue.
Ram Rattan Verma, Kagnadhar councilor has flagged the concern over the increasing stray dog menace in city centre.
He observed that stray dogs are bitting women and children in The Mall and Lower Bazaar area, creating panic among common citizens in the city.
Similarly, monkey attacks have surged, with incidents reported in every ward.
A DAV teacher was attacked by a monkey last week, which scratched her head and uprooted his hair, requiring her to get anti-rabies shots.
The dogs, often seen feeding on leftovers from meat markets, restaurants, and dhabas, have become a major threat, especially as their population remains unchecked.
Tourists are also at risk, with monkeys frequently snatching food and belongings, primarily targeting children and women.
The cries of children and women attacked by these animals can be heard daily from The Mall and Lower Bazaar. Every day, the DDU Hospital reports over 15 to 20 cases of monkey bites, with a similar number of dog bite incidents.
This alarming frequency underscores the severity of the issue.
The Shimla Municipal Corporation (SMC) and the wildlife wing of the Forest Department are struggling to contain these issues.
The SMC has initiated the Animal Birth Control- Anti Rabies (ABC-AR) program, sterilizing and vaccinating stray dogs, but the problem persists.
There is no accurate data on the number of stray dogs and monkeys in the city, exacerbating the issue.
Nobody knows about their number as there is no recent animal census available.
Residents and NGOs are demanding more stringent measures and a comprehensive approach to address this growing menace.
They believe that without proper data and effective strategies, the menace will continue to grow, posing an ongoing threat to the safety and well-being of Shimla's residents and visitors.
Shimla Municipal Corporation needs an innovative solution to this persisting problem as animal rights groups are there to thwart any action plan.