Authorities in Chamoli district have ordered the temporary closure of 10 schools in the Narayanbagar area after a spate of stray dog attacks over the past two to three days that reportedly involved children, residents and domestic animals. The administration said the schools would remain shut for two days and directed institutions to shift teaching to online modes during the period.
Immediate action and teams on ground
District administration officials said personnel from multiple departments have been mobilised to capture the animals feared to be responsible for the incidents. Teams from the Animal Husbandry Department, Forest Department, Disaster Management and the local District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) have been deployed to Narayanbagar to track and catch the stray dogs.
"We are taking all the necessary precautions. Teams from the Animal Husbandry Department, Forest Department, Disaster Management and DDMA have been deployed there to catch them," said Chamoli District Magistrate Gourav Kumar.
The administration said information had been received indicating that one or two animals could be infected with rabies, prompting a stepped-up response to prevent further incidents and to safeguard children and others in the locality.
Schools, online classes and public concern
Education authorities in the area were instructed to move classroom activities online while the closure remains in force, officials said. The decision was taken as a precaution to ensure continuity of learning while reducing the risk of further exposure for pupils.
Initial orders had indicated a four-day shutdown, but the administration revised the period to two days after reporting signs of improvement and intensifying capture efforts.
Reported pattern of attacks
Officials said the suspected animals had allegedly attacked other dogs, livestock and children in the neighbourhood, leading to mounting concern among residents and requests for swift action. No official count of human injuries was released with the initial advisory; the administration emphasised containment and capture of the animals as priorities.
- Area affected: Narayanbagar, Chamoli district
- Number of schools closed: 10
- Closure duration: Two days (revised from an initial four-day order)
- Departments deployed: Animal Husbandry, Forest, Disaster Management, DDMA
- Public health concern: Suspected rabies in one or two dogs
Public-safety measures and follow-up
The district administration said its immediate measures focused on capturing the animals, preventing further attacks and ensuring that children do not lose instructional time. Standard protocol in such situations typically includes capture, isolation and testing of suspected animals for rabies, coordinated vaccination of exposed persons where necessary, and public advisories on how to avoid encounters; officials indicated those steps were being arranged.
Authorities asked residents to avoid approaching or attempting to handle stray dogs, to keep children and pets indoors if possible, and to report sightings or attacks to local control teams so that professional catch teams could respond.
| Action | Responsible agency |
|---|---|
| Capture and containment of stray dogs | Animal Husbandry / Forest Department |
| Coordination and emergency response | Disaster Management / DDMA |
| School closure & online classes | District administration / Education authorities |
Local health and veterinary officials were expected to assess the animals for rabies and to advise on any post-exposure prophylaxis for those potentially bitten or scratched. The administration said it would keep residents informed of developments and of any further steps, including extension of the closure, if circumstances warranted.
Residents called for rapid capture of the animals to restore safety in the neighbourhood. Officials maintained that efforts were underway and urged the public to cooperate with advisories until the situation is brought under control.
