Panchkula faces a severe stray dog crisis. Official records reveal a sharp increase in dog bite incidents. The city reported 14,230 cases in 2025. This marks the highest number in three years. The figures show a worrying upward trend from previous years.
Civic Authorities Fail to Act
Municipal authorities continue to ignore critical directives. The Supreme Court and Punjab and Haryana High Court issued clear orders. These guidelines require immediate action to control the stray dog population. Yet, implementation remains painfully slow across Panchkula.
What the Court Orders Mandate
The Supreme Court outlined specific measures for municipal bodies. They must remove stray dogs from sensitive locations. This includes hospitals, schools, colleges, and public parks. Authorities need to establish designated feeding points. A systematic program should catch and isolate aggressive dogs.
However, reality paints a different picture. Stray dogs roam freely in parks and hospitals. They are common in market areas and residential neighborhoods. The municipal corporation's efforts appear ineffective on the ground.
Multiple Tenders Fail, Compensation Stalled
The civic body attempted to address the issue through tendering processes. Multiple attempts have ended in failure. Not a single compensation claim has been processed. Over thirty applicants approached the municipal corporation as per court orders. All remain waiting for resolution.
Medical Shortages Compound the Crisis
Panchkula's health facilities struggle with supply issues. The anti-rabies vaccine is available at Civil Hospital. However, the more critical anti-rabies serum remains out of stock. Government health centers cannot provide this essential treatment.
Patients face difficult choices. Many travel to Chandigarh's Sector 19 dispensary for proper care. Requisitions sent to higher authorities yield no results. The shortage places bite victims at greater risk.
Sterilization Claims Versus Ground Reality
The municipal corporation maintains it sterilizes about five hundred stray dogs monthly. MC Commissioner RK Singh states efforts continue to implement court guidelines. Residents strongly dispute these claims. They report negligible impact from sterilization programs.
The stray dog population visibly increases across the city. Public spaces remain dominated by uncontrolled animals. Enforcement of existing rules seems completely absent.
Stray Cattle Add to Public Woes
Panchkula's problems extend beyond dogs. Stray cattle create additional hazards on city streets. The municipal corporation promised a "cattle-free" city by August thirty-first last year. This deadline passed without meaningful change.
Cattle occupy major roads and marketplaces. They obstruct traffic flow and cause unnecessary congestion. These animals pose significant risks to commuters during peak hours. The municipal corporation claims action against cattle owners. Residents report weak enforcement and continuing dangers.
Residents Demand Immediate Action
Panchkula's citizens express growing frustration. They question municipal claims about addressing the twin crises. Both stray dogs and cattle create escalating public safety concerns. Residents demand visible, immediate action from authorities.
They insist on proper implementation of court directives. Public spaces should be safe for all citizens. The current situation requires urgent intervention before more people suffer harm.
The Supreme Court noted another concerning development during recent hearings. Stray dogs contribute to several road accidents in the area. This adds another dimension to an already complex public safety issue.
Panchkula stands at a critical juncture. Civic authorities must move beyond statements and promises. Concrete action is necessary to protect residents and restore public confidence in municipal governance.
