Deer in Perungalathur reserve forest scavenge dumped waste

Chennai: With a large number of animals foraging on waste strewn in Perungalathur reserve forest along the Vandalur–Nedunkundram road, officials and residents have raised concerns of animals, especially free-ranging spotter deer, facing health risks. Commuters passing through the area routinely discard garbage into the forest, drawing the free-ranging deer to feed on refuse that includes plastics and organic waste. Wildlife officials cautioned that ingestion of such material can cause intestinal blockages and long-term health damage to the animals. Despite repeated warnings, the littering has continued, mirroring a crisis at Nanmangalam forest several years ago. A senior wildlife official said the spotted deer population in the area has grown considerably over the years and requires rehabilitation. Stray deer found roaming in residential neighbourhoods were safely captured and relocated to Guindy National Park over a decade ago. A similar intervention at Perungalathur will help reduce the free-ranging deer population in that area, suggested another official.The forest department has been urged to formally approach Tambaram corporation. "Waste must be removed regularly to ensure that the Perungalathur Reserve Forest and its animal inhabitants are no longer vulnerable to the hazards of indiscriminate dumping," said A Arumugam, a resident of Vandalur.