Chennai is one of the few metros in the world with a reserve forest in the heart of the city. The Guindy National Park has a rich history. In the 19th Century, the areas known today as Taramani, Madhya Kailash and Besant Nagar were part of a private hunting ground owned by Gilbert Rodericks, a British citizen. In 1821, four years after Rodericks’ death, the Government of Madras purchased it and declared it a part of Guindy Lodge, official residence and private hunting ground of the Governor of Madras. In 1921, the Government declared it a reserve forest. After Independence, the majority of this area was given away for public purpose.

Over the years, urbanisation led to over-exploitation of water resources in this area. Evidently, the acute water shortage in their natural habitat had compelled the deer to move out. The desperation for food and water can be judged by the fact that the deer crossed the busy IT corridor and climbed down to the Buckingham Canal. The picture is a grim reminder that we have encroached on their habitat and not the other way round. The Corporation and Forest officials must take adequate measures to protect these hapless creatures.

Write-up and photograph was published in the front page of Chennai Metro Plus edition of The Hindu on April 05, 2010. Link to the original article is http://www.hindu.com/mp/2010/04/05/stories/2010040551120100.htm