New Delhi This month, a four-quintal black-and-white lactating jersey cow sauntered onto a part of the city even people don’t have access to: the apron-side of the Indira Gandhi International Airport. While the cow’s ownership was doubtful, it was clear that it came from an adjoining area affected by the frenzied developmental activities at the airport.
There’s more. This year, more than 50 snakes were rescued from the Prime Minister’s residence and the adjoining area of Lutyens’ Delhi. ‘Homeless’ peacocks were mauled to death by dogs after parts of the Siri Fort forest were cut down for a Commonwealth Games project.
The city has been a dramatic war-zone, with people on one side and an unexpected amount of wildlife on the other.
The number of stranded animals, including protected species, is climbing higher: indicating that tree-cutting and developmental activities are shaking the last refuges of animals in the city.