Dumping of carcasses in open pose threat to wildlife

The large scale dumping of animal carcasses in the open areas near the Gurgaon-Faridabad green belt has become a threat to wildlife, which feed on it, experts said.

The large scale dumping of animal carcasses in the open areas near the Gurgaon-Faridabad green belt has become a threat to wildlife, which feed on it, experts said.

Around 4-5 acres of land at Sikanderpur Goshi near DLF City, Phase -I is affected because of the open dumping of carcasses. (HT Photo)

HT on Monday spotted large number of birds feeding on carcasses. An eagle was found lying unconscious nearby.

Around 4-5 acres of land at Sikanderpur Goshi near DLF City, Phase -I is affected because of the open dumping of carcasses. The foul smell emanating from these have made the entire stretch uninhabitable to human beings.

Experts said birds in the area keep dying since they are susceptible to Diclofenac, a drug given to cattle as a painkiller.

“The situation might lead to plague since wild dogs and animals are feeding on them and it will spread to human beings as well, if proper steps are not taken to clean and treat the area,” said MD Sinha, conservator of forest.

Inspection by the forest department in the area led to the discovery, after more than a decade, of a roosting family of Egyptian vulture.

“As endangered species are trying to come back to the region, disposal of open animal carcasses which are infected with diseases will have a serious adverse impact on the establishment of a viable population of the species in the area,” Sinha added.

Green activists were of opinion that there is lack of enthusiasm in the various departments in the city to work for the cause of the environment. “Officials of civic bodies should visit their areas. The present condition depicts that there is no connection between reality and the plans of civic bodies in the city,” said Amit Chaudhery, naturalist.

The city does not have any incinerator for disposing animal carcasses. “To dispose off animal carcasses scientifically, the Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG) is planning to establish an incinerator in DLF Phase-III area which will be on CNG mode,” said Sudhir Singh, senior town planner, MCG.