India, Aug. 12 -- New Delhi

Poor solid waste handling, including a lack of segregation, in the Capital is a likely chief reason for a rapid rise in Delhi's stray dog population over the years, experts and residents' associations said on Monday, after the Supreme Court ordered that dogs be removed from streets.

Residents' welfare associations (RWAs) pointed to easy access to food, particularly at open bins (dhalaos) outside shops at markets and construction sites, for ensuring food security and an increase in their numbers.

Atul Goyal, who heads URJA, an apex body of over 2,500 RWAs in Delhi, said: "At most dhalaos, there are multiple dogs. A number of these rely on food and waste that end up here. We are also seeing a similar situation...