Barricades installed at the deer park to segregate animals remain broken. Telegraph picture

Cuttack, March 14: The civic body will shortly prepare a contingency plan to protect animals from scorching heat at Madhusudan Nagar Deer Park here.

Though the mercury is now hovering around the 32°C mark, the temperature is likely to rise considerably in the coming weeks. Hence, the Cuttack Municipal Corporation is planning to switch to traditional methods that have been continuously used to save the deer from dehydration.

Besides, proposals are being made to increase the number of temporary sheds in the park as a number of trees were uprooted during cyclone Phailin last year. Sources said six to seven temporary sheds would be set up this time, while water sprinklers would also be used in coming days to provide respite to the animals from the excess heat.

At present, the park has two permanent sheds where the animals assemble for food and water.

“Most of the old trees has been destroyed and the civic body should initiate measures to build temporary sheds at the earliest. Similarly, the height of the sheds should also be raised, so that the animals cannot destroy them,” said Kartik Das, a visitor.

Das said that though barricades used to be erected earlier to separate the male from the female deer, it has been lying damaged for the past six months. Consequently, the civic body might face overpopulation problems at the park. Besides, the protection grill also needs to be replaced.

At present, the park houses 166 deer, including 63 male, 77 female and 26 fawns. “We had conducted an assessment of the situation and will take steps to segregate deer in the park at the earliest,” said municipal commissioner Gyana Ranjan Das.

Das said the temporary rest sheds for the animals would be set up by March end.

Another corporation official said special emphasis would be given to protect the animals from dehydration, while a variety of fruits with high-water content would also be given to them on a daily basis.

“The animals are fed with summertime fruits, including cucumbers and watermelons which are high on water content. Glucose powder and fresh grass also feature on their menu in summer,” said park caretaker Siba Prasad Mishra.