Himachal Pradesh News : Stray dog menace grips 16 Palampur MC wards as sterilisation drive remains on paper

The Palampur Municipal Corporation has failed to launch a sterilisation drive for stray dogs despite preparing a project aimed at controlling their growing population and curbing dog bite incidents to ensure public safety.

The unchecked rise in the number of stray dogs has emerged as a serious concern across all 16 wards of the Municipal Corporation. Residents have been repeatedly lodging complaints, but the proposed sterilisation programme — seen as a long-term solution — has remained confined to official files.

Palampur, one of Himachal Pradesh’s most picturesque towns and a popular tourist destination, is facing an alarming and persistent stray dog problem. Streets and public spaces that once added to the town’s charm are now increasingly occupied by packs of stray dogs, causing anxiety among residents and discomfort among visitors.

Areas such as SSB Chowk, Ghuggar, the old bus stand, Khilrro and the Yamani Hotel stretch have witnessed a visible surge in stray dogs, particularly during late evening and night hours. Locals say walking on the roads after dark has become unsafe, with schoolchildren, women and the elderly being the most vulnerable.

Beyond safety concerns, the growing canine population has also raised serious public health issues, with the risk of dog bites and rabies looming large. Residents blame the municipal authorities for inaction, pointing out that despite clear directions from the Himachal Pradesh High Court and the Supreme Court on controlling stray dog populations through sterilisation, no effective steps have been taken on the ground.

Locals have urged the government and civic authorities to immediately roll out a sterilisation campaign in Palampur and extend it to other parts of the district to prevent the situation from worsening further.

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