517 animals died at IIT Madras since 2010: Forest department – Times of India

CHENNAI: As many as 517 wild animals including spotted deer, black buck and jackals died on the IIT Madras campus in the last 10 years, the state forest department informed the southern zone of National Green Tribunal.
Many among them died due to consumption of plastic waste or after being attacked by stray dogs. Around 50 died after being hit by speeding vehicles, shows data presented by the department in a case filed by animal rights activist Antony Clement Rubin.
The case was filed based on a TOI report in November 2016 on the death of two deer on the campus due to consumption of plastic waste within a span of 10 days.
Following this, several deaths were reported, cases filed and directions issued to government agencies to carry out periodic inspections.
During a recent inspection by Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB), authorities found plastic waste near Krishna Gate, Velachery Gate and the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) area. The forest department’s inspection report said garbage, including plastic waste, was being dumped in open bins and near residential areas on the 650-acre campus. Stray dogs rummaging through the garbage attacked and killed black buck, an endangered species, the report said.
Despite speed breakers, caution boards on speed limits and patrolling, some deaths of animals were reported due to road accidents, the report said.
In its response, the IIT-M administration said it had put in place steps to prevent deaths of animals and to protect biodiversity on the campus. This includes segregation of plastic and processing it for sale before disposing of solid waste through the corporation, vermi-composting units and biogas plants. With respect to open bins and mounds of garbage, IIT said neighbouring localities were illegally dumping waste on the premises.
The case was taken up for hearing on February 27. After arguments, the Tribunal directed a joint-panel from IIT, forest department and TNPCB to prepare a management plan to permanently resolve the issue.