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Delhi Deer Overcrowded: Supreme Court to Decide Fate
14 Mar
Summary
- Deer population in Delhi park far exceeds ecological capacity.
- Over 261 deer were relocated between 2023 and 2025.
- Ecological degradation signs include overgrazing and soil compaction.
A report submitted to the Supreme Court indicates that the deer population at Delhi's A.N. Jha Deer Park far surpasses its ecological carrying capacity. The Central Empowered Committee (CEC) noted that the enclosure's current size can sustainably house only about 38 deer, a stark contrast to the approximately 400 individuals housed there.
This overpopulation has led to noticeable ecological degradation, including overgrazing and soil compaction, raising serious animal welfare and habitat sustainability concerns. Between 2023 and 2025, 261 deer were relocated to Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve and Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan.
Despite these translocations, hundreds of deer still remain in the Delhi enclosure, prompting the Supreme Court to consider the final decision. The CEC's report, dated March 6, also addressed procedural gaps in previous transfers, such as the lack of identification tags.
For the remaining deer, the committee recommended habitat improvements before considering the park's restoration as a mini-zoo. These improvements include planting native grasses and restoring water bodies.
