NIPHAD, NASHIK – In an unusual demonstration, members of the Yuva Sena (UBT), the youth wing of Shiv Sena (UBT), released stray puppies inside the Niphad Nagar Panchayat office on Thursday. The protest aimed to draw attention to the escalating issue of stray dogs in the region and the civic administration's alleged failure to address it.
Puppies Placed on Chief Officer's Desk
Led by Yuva Sena (UBT) district chief Vikram Randhave, activists brought the puppies in sacks and placed them on the desk of Dheeraj Bhamre, the chief officer of the civic body. Randhave also laid a garland made of currency notes on the official's table as part of the unique protest.
Protesters claim that despite numerous complaints from residents, particularly concerning children, senior citizens, women, and motorists being bitten, the administration has failed to take concrete action. The issue, they noted, has intensified during the ongoing Ganeshotsav celebrations, creating fear among those visiting Ganesh pandals.
Demands for Action and Official Response
The Yuva Sena demanded immediate steps, including sterilization drives, proper arrangements for catching stray dogs, and effective population control measures. Randhave criticized the administration for focusing on the tendering process without visible results on the ground, warning of further protests if the problem remains unaddressed.
Responding to the demonstration, Niphad Nagar Panchayat chief officer Dheeraj Bhamre stated that the civic body had already floated a tender twice to tackle the stray dog issue. However, protesters maintained that these tenders have not translated into tangible improvements for residents.