Forest department: 291 blackbucks, deer in IIT Madras fell prey to dogs
Chennai: The Tamil Nadu forest department has informed the Southern Zone of National Green Tribunal that over 291 spotted deer and blackbucks fell prey to the dog bite on the campus of country’s premier Indian Institute of Technology-Madras from 2010. When a petition filed by Antony Clement Rubin of Chennai came up for hearing before Justice M.S. Nambiar, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest and Chief Wildlife Warden, Chennai, filed a counter affidavit stating that 291 spotted deer, blackbucks died due to a dog bite.
According to data available with forest department, a total of 50 deer died due to consumption of polythene bags and 50 wild animals killed by speeding vehicles from 2010. The forest department is aware of the impact due to anthropogenic pressure on the campus and written a letter to registrar, IIT-M over the human disturbances. Agreeing with the charges of the petitioner, the official stated that it is true that the blackbuck habitat is being reduced due to construction activities on the campus.
Breeding shelters required for reproduction of the species are coming down. It is suggested to keep the garbage bins covered to avoid rummaging by dogs and monkeys. The state government, IIT-M, TNPCB and corporation also filed a combined rejoinder. Justice M.S. Nambiar has posted that matter to November 7 for further hearing.
In his petition, Antony Clement Rubin stated that a total of 220 deer and eight blackbucks died in two years from 2014 on the campus. He alleged that inaction on the part of IIT (M) authorities led to a serious decline in the number of spotted deer, black bucks and other animals. Antony Clement Rubin sought a complete ban on non-recyclable plastics on the campus, including IT products, plastic cutlery, plastic bags, polythene garbage liners and bags. Antony Clement Rubin also sought a direction to shift the cultural fests like ‘Saarang’ and ‘Shaastra’ or other such events which draw large crowds and vehicular traffic.
