An RTI plea has revealed that 13 animals died on the sprawling campus of IIT-Madras between November and December last year.
The National Green Tribunal had directed the IIT-M management to ensure that all animals on the campus are protected. However, with no operational Southern bench of the NGT here, there is no clarity on how the NGT’s interim order will be implemented and who will be held responsible.
The RTI shows that 13 animals, including three blackbucks and one blackbuck fawn, died on the campus between November 1 and December 17. The other animals that died were a few spotted deer and monkeys. It is not clear if the animals died in accidents or due to other causes.
Endangered species
Blackbucks are a Schedule-I species under the Indian Wildlife Act, 1972, making them one of the most endangered species.
“I was ready to file a miscellaneous application seeking a committee to be formed to do an impact study and monitor what is happening, so that there is no plastic and solid waste lying around,” said Antony Rubin, who filed an application with the NGT after an RTI revealed more than 220 deer, including eight blackbucks, died on the campus in just two years. Mr. Rubin said that he was unable to file the application because the bench was non-functional.
Last week, a blackbuck fawn died on the campus after it was reportedly mauled by stray dogs. Stray dogs have been a threat to animals on the campus. Mr. Rubin said the stray dogs are attracted to food source, mainly garbage and solid waste.
An email was sent to the IIT’s media team late on Monday evening. A response is awaited.
