Deer at the Madhusudan Nagar deer park in Cuttack. Telegraph pictures

Cuttack, March 16: There has been a considerable rise in temperature in Cuttack in the past few days. But, no step has been taken by the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) to protect the animals at the deer park located at Madhusudan Nagar here from the scorching sun.

Prasad Kanungo, a visitor, said: “We frequently stop and watch the deer every time we pass through the area. Though there has been a rise in the temperature in the city, no step seems to have been taken to protect the animals from the scorching heat. This is an issue of concern for all animal lovers.”

The CMC officials, however, informed that efforts are on to create “temporary rest shades” for the deer. At present, there are two permanent structures where the animals assemble for food and water.

“Adequate steps are being taken to protect the animals from dehydration. Summertime fruits with extra water content, including watermelons and cucumbers, are being given to the deer. This is a regular practice here during the summer,” said Ashutosh Samal, secretary of the CMC.

Apart from this, around three temporary rest sheds, in addition to the two existing permanent structures, would be established shortly. Water will be sprinkled on the temporary sheds made of straw, which will then act as a cooling system for the animals at the enclosure, informed sources in the municipality.

At present, there are 69 deer including 30 male, 34 female and five fawns. They are fed with grass, branches and special foods daily.

“The place is quite suitable for the deer, as it is located on the banks of the river Mahanadi. Also, there are a large number of banyan trees inside the park, which act as natural sheds for the animals,” said Shiva Prasad Mishra (55), the deer park’s animal keeper.

The Madhusudan Nagar deer park was established in 1981. Spread over two acres, the park is now over populated.

In another development, in a bid to provide adequate space to the four-legged beauties, establishment of a second deer park is on the cards. The second deer park would come up in sprawling 12 acres of land at Sector 8. The Cuttack Development Authority (CDA) is developing it.

“There is a proposal to construct a second deer park for which the land has already been identified at CDA. The deer park will also have many recreational facilities, which will be a perfect amusement centre for the residents of the city.

“The proposed park would be able to accommodate around 50 animals. We have prepared a master plan for establishing the second deer park and sent to the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) for approval. As soon as the plan gets the nod from the authority, we will start working on the project according to the CZA guidelines,” Samal added.