Video of Sanjay Gandhi National Park deer picking at trash sparks furore

Visuals of a herd of deer purportedly feeding on plastic trash spilling out of garbage bags inside the protected Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) has distressed wildlife enthusiasts as well as environmentalists alike. 

Dipankar Sikder, a cinematographer who had recorded a video of the quadrupeds on May 12 and shared it on social media, stated that it was “sad to see spotted deer eating from the garbage dumped” near the staff quarters at SGNP.

The video shows six to seven deer ferreting around in a bunch of trash bags while a stray dog is circling them. The imagery has triggered concerns that the deer might end up with severe health complications, even death. 

Pawan Sharma, honorary wildlife warden for Thane, said that animal activist Mita Gangoly showed him the images, after which he wrote to the Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) on Wednesday, seeking an investigation into the act and appropriate action against the delinquents. “It’s disturbing. The deer, while foraging for food, must have certainly eaten plastic too. The issue needs to be investigated; it happened inside a protected forest,” Sharma said.

He said that another concern was the presence of strays. “In the video, one can clearly see a stray close to the herd. There’s a chance it could attack the deer,” he said, adding that the forest department needs to improve its waste disposal and stray management.

Anwar Ahmed, CCF and field director, SGNP, said their investigation revealed the trash was left behind by a crew that had obtained permissions for shooting within the premises. “The unit left the bags behind. When our staff went to fetch vehicles to load the bags for disposal, the deer came foraging,” he said.

He said the filming crew has been fined Rs 5,000 for the negligence and the staff have been rebuked. “We will ensure that it’s made clear to those who seek such permissions that they have to ensure all the garbage is taken away before they leave,” Ahmed said.