Stray Dog Menace Persists in Lucknow Despite Supreme Court Directive
Despite a clear directive from the Supreme Court of India mandating the removal and regulated management of stray dogs from public spaces, implementation remains woefully incomplete across several key locations in Lucknow. A recent reality check conducted by The Times of India (TOI) has revealed that stray dogs continue to occupy entry lanes, vending stretches, and campus roads, raising significant concerns over public safety and free movement.
Market Areas Grapple with Canine Presence
At Phoolbagh market and Udayganj, stray dogs were observed gathered near the narrow entrances, creating a deterrent for visitors. Shop owner Ramesh Gupta expressed his frustration, stating, "Customers, especially families, hesitate to enter when dogs sit at the gate. It directly affects our business." In Udayganj market, the situation was exacerbated as dogs and puppies moved through congested vending lanes, causing frequent navigation issues for vendors and shoppers alike.
Vendor Salim Khan highlighted the daily challenges, saying, "Bike riders slow down suddenly when dogs run alongside. Proper removal drives are urgently needed here." Local resident Sunita Verma added a critical perspective, noting, "Without systematic relocation or the establishment of designated zones, this problem will keep returning."
Sanitation and Safety Concerns Mount
Near Saharaganj mall road, dogs were found resting around food stalls, prompting vendors to raise serious sanitation concerns. Stall operator Manoj Tiwari explained, "People avoid eating here when dogs sit near the tables. Authorities must prioritize their removal from these vending zones to protect public health."
Educational campuses are not immune to this issue. At Lucknow University, students reported feeling unsafe during evening hours. Student Aditya Mishra shared, "Dogs gather near hostel roads at night. It feels particularly unsafe while walking back from classes or the library."
Business Impact and Public Sentiment
In the adjoining Daliganj market, traders noted that the presence of dogs near shop entrances significantly affected footfall. Shopkeeper Shabana Rizvi stated, "Morning buyers actively avoid lanes where dogs are lying, which hurts our daily sales." Similarly, Aminabad market continues to face persistent problems due to stray dogs gathered in its dense lanes.
Resident Faizan Ahmed emphasized the need for action, saying, "Movement becomes extremely difficult during peak hours. Immediate and effective removal action is required to restore normalcy."
Partial Success and Official Response
However, not all locations are facing the same level of crisis. Sachivalaya and Hussainganj Metro stations were found to be largely free of stray dogs, indicating some success in control measures. Near KD Singh Babu Stadium Metro station, only a few dogs were spotted, suggesting a partial impact from recent drives.
Animal welfare officer Abhinav Verma provided insight into the ongoing efforts, stating, "We are continuously running drives for the vaccination and sterilization of stray dogs around public spaces. However, we are in the process of establishing a designated dog shelter home in the city. As soon as it is completed, we will shift the dogs to this shelter home."
Call for Comprehensive Enforcement
Residents and traders alike are urging authorities to fully enforce the apex court directive through a multi-faceted approach. This includes not only removal and relocation but also sterilization programs and the clear marking of feeding zones to balance public safety with humane management. The collective sentiment underscores the need for a sustainable solution that addresses both community concerns and animal welfare, ensuring Lucknow's public spaces are safe and accessible for all.
