Vikal Sharma
Palampur, once hailed for its scenic beauty and tourist charm, is now battling a growing menace: an unchecked surge in stray dog populations that’s sparking fear and frustration among locals and visitors alike.
From Ghuggar to the old bus stand, and areas near Yamani Hotel, Rajpur, and CSK University, packs of dogs now roam the streets with alarming frequency—especially after dark. Residents say late-night walks have become dangerous, with schoolchildren, women, and the elderly particularly vulnerable.
The escalating canine crisis isn’t just a threat to public safety—it’s fast becoming a health hazard. Despite clear directives from the Himachal Pradesh High Court and the Supreme Court mandating action, municipal authorities stand accused of inaction. The court’s earlier ruling to make Himachal Pradesh stray-dog free remains largely unimplemented, especially in Kangra district, which reportedly harbors over 10,000 strays.
Local voices are demanding an urgent, district-wide sterilisation drive, calling it the only sustainable solution. “We need action, not promises,” said a Palampur resident, echoing widespread frustration.
Compounding the problem is a critical shortage of anti-rabies vaccines in state-run hospitals. Dog-bite victims often scramble from clinic to clinic in search of medicine that’s rarely available, putting lives at serious risk.
In the last two years alone, over 1,000 dog attacks have been reported statewide—more than 200 in Kangra district—many involving children, some requiring hospitalisation.
As the crisis deepens, Palampur’s image as a serene hill town is being replaced by one of concern and urgency. Citizens now wait to see whether officials will finally rise to the challenge.
Vikal Sharma
