My write-up is based on two personal experiences in Sector-50 within 24 hours. It’s a first-hand unbiased account. On 26 December morning, Samvada (our sector monthly magazine)
convened editors meet in the Central Park. We were to meet near the main gazebo right in the centre of the park. As I approached, 3 dogs in tandem suddenly got up, started barking and surrounded me. One came too close and was going to bite me on the leg. Luckily I could shoo them off with the help of a stranger sitting in the Gazebo. Close call it was. I am a dog lover and am tolerant and patient with animals and generally not scared of dogs.
The second incident happened on 27 December morning. I had some work in Sector-50 market. The weather being nice and cold, I decided to walk. A couple of houses away, a group of 4 dogs came too close for comfort. This time a friendly car cleaner helped me to get out of the situation and walk away safely. Further ahead in B Block another 2 dogs chased me for over 50 metres before I could evade them. I am a senior citizen so need to be extra careful – reflexes and speed tend to get slow with age.
Now this is a nuisance which I faced without any provocation or intimidation of carrying a stick. In hindsight having a stick in hand gives one a secure feeling and that’s what I carried on my return on foot journey. Such nuisance happens right through the day, day after day with maids, service providers, newspaper vendor, other vendors etc. Sad situation, one cannot even enjoy a walk; and the irony is doctors advise everyone to walk for good health. Neither the park, nor the inside roads are safe.
Do please spare a thought for parents too (mostly ladies) dropping and picking up their small children daily twice a day to neighbourhood schools. A large section of neighboring residents walk their wards to school.
Let’s face the reality – there is a substantial ‘stray dog nuisance’ all around the sector, across all blocks, and solution needs to be found. This problem is more prevalent, specially in Sec 50, in enormous proportions. Ardent dog lovers, activists and authorities: Are you listening and sensitive to the situation of fellow residents at large? Mere sterilization is not the answer. We need to protect our young, old, as also the not-so-young citizens.
by Ajay Mehra (C-162, Sector-50; 9818688976)
