Authorities of the Karumkulam grama panchayat, where a 65-year-old woman was mauled to death by stray dogs, have resolved to take proactive measures to address the twin issues of dog menace and accumulating garbage in the region.
While the gruesome death of Shiluvamma has brought the local body under media scanner, local residents claim that over 35 similar attacks had taken place in the region in the past six months. They said the lackadaisical attitude of the panchayat authorities in addressing the root causes of the issue led to such incidents.
Pushed to a tight corner, the grama panchayat authorities have decided to write to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan seeking the government’s support in addressing the problem. Grama panchayat vice president E. Christudasi said the presence of large number of stray dogs could be attributed to the dumping of wastes from fish markets located at Puthiyathura, Pallom, and Valiyapally. There have also been allegations that wastes from abattoirs were being dumped near the shores.
Job scheme works
“A previous attempt to rope in the services of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) workers for waste collection had come to a naught as there are no provisions for the purpose under the scheme. We will request the government to permit utilisation of job-scheme workers for regular collection of garbage,” she said.
According to her, the grama panchayat has also decided to allocate necessary funds for initiating sterilisation of dogs.
A veterinary expert has been entrusted with the responsibility of preparing a detailed project for the purpose. She added that while there was no dearth of public toilets in the panchayat, the lack of awareness among residents resulted in many defecating in the open.
Compensation
Meanwhile, Neyyattinkara tahsildar A. Markose said that a recommendation would be submitted to the government on Monday seeking maximum-possible compensation to the family of the victim, who were financially disadvantaged. In addition, the government would also be urged to extend support for Daisy, another resident, who was also bitten by stray dogs.
Neglected
In a statement, Kerala Region Latin Catholic Council accused the successive governments of neglecting the welfare of the fishing community and coastal residents.
A meeting chaired by Thiruvananthapuram Archbishop Soosa Pakiam observed that many residing in the coastal belt lacked basic amenities and lived in pitiable conditions. The council demanded adequate compensation for the victims of the stray dog menace.
Residents say 35 incidents of dog attacks in 6 months
Waste from fish markets, abattoirs dumped in coastal areas
Local body to release funds for sterilisation of dogs
