Staff Correspondent
Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 17: The much-celebrated Marine Esplanade, developed under the Smart City Projects Ltd. from Marina Park to Flag Point, was designed as a model recreational zone for the people of Sri Vijaya Puram as well as visiting tourists. With its uniform carriageway, walking track, street lighting, street furniture, service trenching and landscaped stretches, the Esplanade has quickly become one of the most popular evening destinations for residents and visitors alike.
Every day, a large number of locals gather here to enjoy fresh air, evening walks and recreational activities, while tourists are often seen appreciating the scenic beauty and urban design of the site.
However, the joy of this newly developed stretch is increasingly being marred by the uncontrolled presence of street dogs. Visitors have complained that dogs chase walkers and joggers, creating fear among children and elderly people. The problem is further aggravated by dog droppings scattered along the walking tracks, spoiling the cleanliness and overall ambience of the Esplanade.
Many citizens feel that the lack of effective measures from SVPMC has allowed the problem to escalate. “The entire purpose of creating a smart and clean recreational space is being defeated,” said one concerned visitor, adding that the situation projects a negative image of Andaman to tourists who expect world-class standards from smart city projects.
Residents and stakeholders have urged the concerned authorities to take urgent steps to control the entry of stray dogs into the Marine Esplanade, maintain strict cleanliness, and safeguard the beauty of one of Port Blair’s most attractive public spaces.
