Home / Environment / Deer Scavenge Waste in Tiger Reserve Buffer: Environmentalists Allege
Deer Scavenge Waste in Tiger Reserve Buffer: Environmentalists Allege
3 Feb
Summary
- Deer and dogs feed on campus waste, contradicting university claims.
- Waste accumulation poses health risks and creates wildlife dependencies.
- Forest staff clear trash, but local bodies fail to manage roadside waste.
Wildlife, including deer and stray dogs, have been filmed scavenging waste on Kuvempu University's campus, located within the Bhadra Tiger Reserve's buffer zone. This directly challenges the university's claims of a fully adopted waste management system. Environmentalists allege that hostel food waste is attracting wildlife into populated areas, posing significant health risks and fostering dependency.
University officials stated that a comprehensive waste system is operational and that hostels do not discharge refuse. They attribute visible litter, primarily snack wrappers, to irresponsible visitors. However, waste continues to accumulate, with recent incidents including a deer seeking refuge inside a bank due to stray dogs. Forest staff regularly clear rubbish, but blame gram panchayats for inadequate waste management along highways.
The Bhadra Tiger Reserve's buffer zone, particularly areas from Singhanamane to Tammadihalli, suffers from widespread littering. The reserve director confirmed frequent wildlife movement on campus and ongoing communication with university authorities. A notice has been issued regarding illegal resort construction within the buffer zone, and the issue has been raised in the legislative session.
