A day after the Citizen Welfare Association came forward to request the Panchkula authorities to form a committee to oversee compensation for stray dog bite victims and public safety, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Yash Garg informed that a committee, in fact, has been made and was active since July 26.
This has left the Panchkula residents in a baffling state as such information has not been relayed through any means, while many NGOs and resident associations have been sending letter after letter, urging the local authorities, especially the Panchkula Municipal Corporation, Deputy Commissioner, the former MLA and even, the Chief Minister Officer, to have a committee for the same.
“The DC informed us that he has given instructions to make the committee on March 4. However, we were not given any information about its formation until now. The DC also claims that two victims from ‘stray cattle accidents’ have been awarded but how come anybody forget to inform the residents about the same.’ Said SK Nayar, President, Citizen Welfare Association.
Similarly, Vikas Manch Panchkula also came forward to expressed their disappointment over the matter. ‘We have been consistently demanding from the Haryana government ministers and officials that compensation should be provided for damages caused by stray animals, as per the Supreme Court’s directives. Many letters have been written in this regard. It was essential to form a panel for this, and now it has come to light that the Deputy Commissioner has already established such a panel.The Municipal Corporation is aware of this but has kept it under wraps. The question arises: is this being done to avoid compensating the public who have been suffering from these damages?’ said Rakesh Aggarwal, Vikas Manch.
When contacted the Deputy Commissioner he reiterated that the instructions for making the committee were given as soon as he heard the residents’ request. ‘The committee has been active for three months and we have awarded compensation to two victims as well. Now, it falls on the MC to relay this information.’ Said Dr. Yash Garg.
When contacted Municipal Commissioner Sachin Gupta regarding this, he failed to provide a satisfactory answer for the matter.
