Former Union Minister Vijay Goel led a massive protest on Sunday at Jantar Mantar. The demonstration focused on the escalating menace of stray dogs and the resulting fear of rabies. Hundreds of Residents’ Welfare Association (RWA) representatives from across the National Capital Region (NCR) participated in the protest. This included people from Delhi, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Noida, and Gurugram. The protest was held on the occasion of Rabies Day.
RWA representatives unanimously stated a serious concern. They highlighted that over 12 crore stray dogs roam freely across India. Representatives said sterilisation and vaccination drives are not enough. These dogs still remain on the streets and are free to bite people and spread the fatal rabies virus.Vijay Goel expressed deep concern over the issue. The government had aimed to make India rabies-free by 2030. Goel now deems this goal “impossible” due to the slow progress and the rising number of dog-bite cases.Goel also made a serious allegation, claiming that companies producing rabies medicines and vaccines have vested interests.
He said these companies do not want effective control over stray dogs. The worst affected are small children and the poor, and they are the easiest targets for these animals.NCR residents shared alarming ground realities. An RWA member from Faridabad said children can no longer play in parks. Even elderly people on morning walks are attacked by packs of dogs. He criticised the municipal corporation. He said they only prepare plans “on paper” with no concrete action.
Rajiv Chatterjee from Noida echoed these worries. He said the stray dog problem is “going out of control” even in a planned city like Noida. People feel unsafe in housing societies, schools, and markets. Shyam Gupta from Ghaziabad called the situation “alarming”. He said dozens of dogs roam every neighbourhood. Group attacks have seriously injured many people. Parents hesitate to let children step outside due to rabies fear. Gupta stressed the need for an immediate “strong national policy”. He warned the situation will worsen otherwise.Goel affirmed that his movement will continue, and he further plans to take this campaign nationwide. He wants to connect more RWAs. He said the large NCR participation proves the public now demands a concrete solution.