MP: Why Sambhar deer are reaching fast food joints at Bhopal's Boat Club
Bhopal: In Bhopal's Boat Club area, Sambhar deer are coming out of the Van Vihar forest in search of salt and leftovers and reaching the fast food joints, where they are seen licking the leftover food items along with dogs.
There are around 25 carts and shops selling Maggi, chaat, pakoras, cold drinks, chips and namkeen in the area. The waste from them often spreads on the banks and surrounding areas of the lake.
Due to this salty taste, sambhars are now reaching here without fear of humans. But it is not good for their safety and health and can even lead to infection. According to the Forest Department, for the past month, some sambhars from Van Vihar have been seen around the Manav Sangrahalaya, Shyamla Hill and Boat Club area.
Videos went viral
On Saturday, three female sambar were seen eating leftover food near the Wind and Waves restaurant, and their videos went viral on social media. On Monday, Van Vihar Assistant Director Virendra Singh sent security personnel after receiving information that the deer were roaming near the lake.
Presence of fast food outlets is a concern: Activist
Environmental activist Ajay Dubey says that the 100-meter eco-sensitive zone around the national park and zoo is mandatory, and the presence of fast food outlets there is a concern. He says the district administration, municipal corporation, and forest department should monitor this and take joint action.
According to him, chips, snacks, and fried foods are not part of wildlife's natural diet. Eating them adversely affects the digestive system and kidneys and increases the risk of infection.
Dumping garbage in forest areas is considered a violation of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, which carries a punishment of up to three years' imprisonment and a fine.