Srinagar, June 28: The market outside Kashmir University in the Hazratbal area on the outskirts of Srinagar has become a source of growing concern for commuters, students and shopkeepers due to the accumulation of garbage, stagnant water and the increasing presence of stray dogs.
Shoppers and traders told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that heaps of garbage have remained unattended for days, while stagnant water around the dumping site has created an unhygienic atmosphere and foul smell, making it difficult for people to move around the busy market.
They said packs of stray dogs roam the area throughout the day, posing a risk to pedestrians, particularly students, elderly persons and women. Many complained that walking through the market has become increasingly difficult as the dogs often move in groups around the garbage dumps.
According to locals, the neglected condition of the market has given one of the city’s busiest educational hubs a shabby appearance. They alleged that despite repeated appeals to the concerned authorities, no effective measures have been taken to clear the accumulated waste or address the menace of stray dogs.
Shopkeepers said the unhygienic surroundings are affecting business and creating inconvenience for customers, while the persistent foul smell has become a daily ordeal.
The locals alleged that the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) has failed to take adequate steps to mitigate the problems despite being aware of the situation. They urged the civic body to immediately remove the garbage, drain the stagnant water and launch a sustained drive to control the stray dog population in the area. [KNT]
