Two Spotted Deer Killed in Separate Road Accidents Near Chennai
Two spotted deer died in separate road accidents near Chennai during the early hours of Tuesday. The incidents occurred near Acharapakkam and Kelambakkam, highlighting a growing problem of wildlife fatalities on highways.
First Incident Near Acharapakkam
The first accident took place near Acharapakkam along the Chennai-Trichy national highway. A two-year-old male spotted deer ventured out from Vajrageri hill, located about five kilometers from Acharapakkam. This area forms part of reserve forest zones where numerous deer and other animals live.
Forest officials reported that the deer descended from the hill around 6 am. It attempted to cross the road near Gandhinagar. A passing car struck the animal, causing immediate death.
Madurantakam forest department officials quickly arrived at the scene. They recovered the carcass for further examination.
Second Incident on Kelambakkam-Vandalur Road
Another spotted deer died on the Kelambakkam-Vandalur Road. This incident occurred around 3 am near the Vengambakkam junction.
The deer tried to cross the road when a speeding car traveling from Kelambakkam hit it. The animal died instantly at the spot.
The collision damaged the car, but the driver escaped without injuries. Kelambakkam police questioned the driver after arriving at the location.
Forest department officials from Kattur received information about the accident. They shifted the deer's carcass for a postmortem examination.
Growing Wildlife Concerns
Police sources indicate that such incidents have increased in recent years. Wildlife frequently moves out of reserve forest areas in search of food and water. This behavior leads to dangerous encounters on busy highways.
Local residents express serious concern over these recurring accidents. They note that animals face shortages of adequate drinking water and food within forest boundaries. This scarcity forces wildlife to cross highways, resulting in frequent fatalities.
Residents urge authorities to implement preventive measures. Suggested actions include installing protective fencing around reserve forests. Setting up water tanks and other facilities within forest areas could also help. These steps might prevent animals from venturing onto roads and reduce accident risks.
Forest department officials continue to monitor the situation. They emphasize the need for balanced development that considers wildlife safety. The recent accidents serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing urban wildlife conservation efforts.
