A growing garbage dump near the railway bridge at Baghi Mehtab has become a serious health and safety concern for residents, turning into a den for stray dogs and causing daily distress for the locals.
Piles of unattended waste, including plastic, leftover food, and construction debris, lie scattered near the bridge area, giving rise to foul smells and unhygienic conditions. The situation has worsened in recent weeks, with the stray dog population multiplying around the dump site, raising concerns of dog bites and disease outbreaks.
“It has become impossible to walk past this area, especially in the early morning and late evening. The dogs chase schoolchildren and pedestrians. We have complained multiple times, but there’s no action,” said Shahid Ahmad, a local resident.
The area, once used as a regular passage by commuters and school-goers, now remains deserted during certain hours due to fear of being attacked by aggressive dogs. Women and elderly residents are particularly vulnerable.
Locals blame the municipal authorities for the mess. “Despite repeated complaints to the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), no solid waste collection or cleanup has been done. This place has turned into a breeding ground for diseases,” said Farhat Jan, another resident.
Residents also allege that nearby commercial establishments and even some households are dumping garbage openly, adding to the pile. The absence of dustbins, waste segregation, or regular collection services has only made things worse.
Health experts warn that unmanaged garbage sites can lead to serious public health problems. “Rotting organic matter, plastic, and medical waste not only attract dogs but also rodents and flies, leading to the spread of infections. The risk of rabies from stray dog bites is also significant,” said Dr. Aijaz Nabi, a public health specialist.
In light of the growing menace, residents have urged the District Administration and the SMC to immediately intervene by:
Clearing the garbage pile near the bridge.
Placing dustbins and signage to discourage open dumping.
Sterilizing and relocating stray dogs from the vicinity.
Launching awareness drives about responsible waste disposal.
“We just want a clean, safe environment for our children and families. This is not too much to ask,” a local elder pleaded.
The residents warned of peaceful protests if authorities continue to ignore their grievances. They have demanded that officials conduct a site inspection and initiate urgent cleanup operations to restore hygiene and safety in the area.