City Under Siege— Cost of Inaction on Shimla’s Monkey and Stray Dog Menace
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Shimla Nov 22 Ritanjali Hastir
Shimla’s scenic charm is overshadowed by a growing crisis—the unchecked menace of monkeys and stray dogs. For years, residents and tourists alike have been grappling with safety concerns, as reports of attacks continue to make headlines. However, the issue escalated tragically today when a schoolboy fell from the Evening College Road to the main CTO Road while trying to evade aggressive monkeys. This incident not only highlights the severity of the problem but also raises an important question: who is responsible for this chaos?
The simmering tussle between the Municipal Corporation and the Forest Department has transformed this menace into a bureaucratic blame game. Instead of collaborative problem-solving, the focus has shifted to departmental egos. In the process, citizens are left to fend for themselves. Roads like Temple Road near BSNL remain infested with monkeys, turning everyday commutes into a perilous adventure. The lack of effective measures—from sterilization programs to relocation initiatives—has further exacerbated the situation.
When a child’s life hangs in the balance, departmental conflicts lose their relevance. This incident should serve as a wake-up call for the authorities. It is high time the municipal and forest departments set aside their differences and prioritize human safety over administrative disputes. Shimla deserves better than being reduced to a battleground between man and monkey. Let this tragedy not go in vain but spur decisive action before the next victim makes the headlines.
