Shimla Residents Say Enough is Enough: Demand Action on Stray Animals, Basic Amenities
Nagrik Sabha issues charter of 12 demands
Fed up with the administration’s apathy, the residents of Sanjauli, a key suburb of Shimla, came together in a powerful demonstration today. The protest, organized by the Shimla Nagrik Sabha, highlighted the daily struggles faced by the community, from the menace of stray animals to a severe lack of basic infrastructure.
The gathering was addressed by local leaders including Jagmohan Thakur, Vivek Kashyap, and Pawan Sharma, who voiced the collective frustration of the people. They painted a picture of a vibrant community—home to students, government employees, and small business owners—that is being failed by the system.
A Day in the Life of a Sanjauli Resident
The problems start first thing in the morning. “Our children can’t even walk to school safely,” shared one concerned parent. “They have to navigate through packs of stray dogs and monkeys. It’s a miracle that more children haven’t been seriously hurt.” The protestors revealed a shocking statistic: nearly 900 dog and monkey bite cases have been reported since January.
The issues don’t end there. Students struggle to find a proper place to study, as the local library lacks basic facilities and seating. Working women and students face a daily commute nightmare due to unreliable bus services, forcing them to spend heavily on private transport. Broken footpaths, non-functional street lights, and erratic water supply add to the residents’ woes.
“The administration’s silence on the drug problem is deafening,” said another speaker, noting that at least 10 young lives have been lost to substance abuse in the past year alone.
A Final Warning and a List of Demands
The Nagrik Sabha issued a clear warning to the administration: act now or face a larger movement. Their 12-point charter of demands includes:
- Immediate solution to the stray dog and monkey menace
- A functional, 24-hour library with WiFi and proper seating
- A halt to the yearly increase in taxes
- Increased police patrols to combat drug abuse
- Solutions for chronic traffic congestion
- Better bus services until midnight
- A women’s hostel for students and working professionals
- Basic amenities like rain shelters and functional street lights
- Proper rehabilitation for street vendors
- Availability of medicines in local dispensaries
The message from Sanjauli is clear: the patience of the people is wearing thin. The community stands united, ready to escalate their protest if their genuine concerns are not addressed promptly.
