Picture by Badrika Nath Das
Cuttack, May 6: Animals of the Madhusudan Nagar Deer Park are suffering in the sweltering heat as the construction of two rest sheds has got stuck in blame game.
“Imagine the condition of the animals due to lack of proper rest sheds,” said Jhola Sahi resident Amit Jha.
At present, the park has two sheds, while the Cuttack Municipal Corporation had decided to build another two
to protect the deer from the heat.
“Though the work had started in April, it stopped midway as the contractor said he had not received any written order,” said councillor of ward No. 16 Ramzan Khan.
Sources said the lack of co-ordination among the local councillor, chairperson of the civic body’s standing committee for park and plantations and officials of the engineering section is to be blamed for the delay in completion of the construction.
Chairperson of the standing committee A. Sridevi claimed that the council had already passed a resolution for all-round development of the park and the work would resume shortly.
“We will inquire why the construction has been stopped. We will ensure that the work is completed
within the next 15 days,” said Sridevi.
A civic official said the additional two rest sheds had become necessary due to the increase in number of animals in the deer park. The total population has now reached 190, including 71 male and 91 female deer.
“Additional sheds will help the animals protect themselves from heat as well as rain and excess cold conditions during winter,” said Tulsipur resident Umesh Dash.
Das said that at present, the park caretakers were using water sprinklers to cool down the heat emanating from the ground. However, the facility has not been extended to the entire area.
The park has only five water sprinklers installed in one portion. The facility is yet to cover the entire two
acres due to lack of additional water connection and motor pump.
The civic officials claimed that special food, including 8kg of cabbage, 16kg of cucumber and watermelon each, along with 153kg of deer feed are being provided to the animals during the summer.
