SRINAGAR: Accumulated garbage, stagnant water and a growing stray dog menace have turned the market outside the University of Kashmir in the Hazratbal area of Srinagar into a source of concern for commuters, students and shopkeepers.
Residents and traders said that heaps of garbage have remained unattended for several days, while stagnant water around the dumping site has created unhygienic conditions and a foul smell, making it difficult for people to move through the busy market.
They said packs of stray dogs roam the area throughout the day, posing a risk to pedestrians, particularly students, elderly people and women. Many complained that walking through the market has become increasingly difficult as the dogs often gather 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 stray dog menace.
Shopkeepers said the unhygienic surroundings are affecting business and causing inconvenience to 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 address the issue 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)
