Urbanisation pushes city Nilgais to the edge

It has been a week since a Nilgai was spotted at Vijay Chowk just few metres away from Parliament. The Nilgai, rescued from a posh and heavily guarded area, may have found its new habitat at Asola Bhatti wildlife sanctuary, however, most of the Nilgais in search of their natural habitat are not that fortunate as the one rescued from Lutyens’ Delhi.

With shrinking natural habitat, rapid levels of unplanned urbanisation, fragmentation and destruction of forested areas in the city, the estimated 3,000 odd population of Nilgais in the city today face increased vulnerability and a risk of death or serious injury.

According to  Wildlife SOS, the rescue cell that rescued the Nilgai from Vijay Chowk, an estimate of 125 Nilgais die each year in the city mainly due to hit-and-run cases. Most of the deaths go unreported.

In a month, the Wildlife SOS receives about 10-15 calls to rescue Nilgais, most of which come from the outskirts, like Najafgarh, Rohini and Burari. According to Kartick Satyanarayan, co-founder of Wildlife SOS, there must be an effective mechanism devised for co-existence of wildlife in urban areas. 

As the largest Asian antelope, Nilgai is endemic to the Indian subcontinent. Nilgais have long been considered as a major part of the wildlife species visible in the city. Though not considered to be that beneficial, it is believed that the fecal matter of the animal enriches the soil. Considered to be timid, it however, is cautioned by the danger around it and has the ability to gallop. Responding to Millennium Post on the seriousness of the authorities in protecting Nilgais in the city, an official from the Department of Wildlife and Forest conservation, Delhi government, spoke about the significance of the animal in maintaining the ecological balance. The official said that besides the usual challenging factors, the lowering of water table in the forested areas also is proving to be difficult for the antelopes.

The official said: “Taking into consideration that the city is expected to receive a good rainfall, the preparation has started for planting more trees in the areas. Further, to recharge the groundwater levels, water holes are being dug.” The official added that presently, to cater to the water consumption of the Nilgais, tankers are being organised.