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Synopsis

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday intervened in the matter concerning the fate of the spotted deer population in the capital's 'Deer Park'.

The division bench of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora issued directives to the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to conduct a comprehensive census of the deer inhabiting the park.

The court's intervention came in response to a petition challenging the decision of the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) to revoke the recognition of the facility as a "mini zoo."

Noting the concerns raised about the overpopulation of deer within the park, the bench suggested the possibility of relocating some of the animals to other green spaces in Delhi to alleviate the burden on the existing facility.

During the proceedings, the bench emphasized the importance of maintaining such facilities for the benefit of the city's residents, particularly children who have the opportunity to observe and learn about wildlife. Expressing concern over the potential loss of this educational resource, the bench urged authorities not to hastily dismantle the facility.

Officially known as the A N Jha Deer Park and situated in the Hauz Khas area of south Delhi, the park has long been a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. However, the CZA's decision to withdraw its recognition as a zoo last year raised questions about its future management and the welfare of its resident deer population.

In response to the petitioner's concerns regarding the reasons behind the cancellation of the park's recognition, the court instructed the DDA to provide detailed data on the deer population, including demographics such as age and gender distribution.

Furthermore, the court suggested exploring alternative locations for housing the deer, including nearby green areas like the Jahanpanah city forest.

It recommended a balanced approach, proposing that while some deer could be retained within the park, others could be relocated to suitable habitats under the jurisdiction of the DDA or the Ridge area.

The matter is scheduled for further hearings in March as stakeholders work towards a sustainable solution for the management of Delhi's cherished wildlife resources.

In December 2023, the court had asked authorities to maintain status quo with respect to the translocation of spotted deer from the 'Deer Park' and suggested that at least 50 deer be retained in the park while the remaining may be sent to green areas under the control of the DDA or the Ridge here.

According to officials, the decision to cancel its licence as a zoo was taken in view of the rapid growth of the population, inbreeding, the possibility of the spread of disease, and the lack of trained manpower to maintain it. Six deer were introduced in the park in the 1960s, and over time, the number swelled to approximately 600. Post-cancellation, the forest departments of Rajasthan and Delhi shall take further action for their translocation, officials had said.

Case Title: New Delhi Nature Society v. Director Horticulture DDA and Ors.