The Mihan community, already facing challenges with inadequate lighting, unpaved roads, and incomplete infrastructure, was recently shaken by a stray dog attack on a 10-year-old boy, heightening residents’ concerns about street safety.
The stray dog attack happened in broad daylight, around 11 a.m., when six or seven stray dogs surrounded a young boy on his way home from a nearby shop. Shantanu Agrawal, a local resident who saw the incident, said, “The dogs suddenly attacked the boy. He managed to avoid being bitten, but as he tried to run away, he fell and got scratches on his hands and feet.”
The boy thankfully had only minor injuries, but the incident has made the community more worried about stray animals. Residents say that stray dogs, especially at night, chase vehicles, which makes driving dangerous. Agrawal mentioned that, along with poor lighting, bumpy roads, and unreliable public transport, these issues have left people feeling scared and unsafe.
Local residents say that the stray dog problem in Mihan has worsened due to ongoing infrastructure issues. Another resident, Deepak, expressed his concerns, saying, “A nearby complex, where a new eatery has opened, has become a ‘dog haven.’ The strays gather there and roam the area.” He added, “At first, they would enter our societies and cause trouble, but now they mostly hang around the eatery, scavenging leftover food.”
“The growing garbage problem is also a concern, as there is no local vehicle to clean up daily. Residents have had to hire a vendor to collect garbage from their homes, but they don’t clean other areas,” said a local resident. Many roads in Mihan are still incomplete, and poor street lighting has made it easier for incidents to occur without quick response.
Though complaints have been raised, residents feel that authorities are slow to act. With Mihan expected to be a key economic zone, they believe safety and infrastructure should have been prioritized. They urge for a more active effort to fix the issues and ensure the safety of residents and workers.