Chennai

During cyclone Vardah in 2016, the compound wall of the Air Force Station collapsed and the spotted deer moved out of its premises. “A few deer moved near Selaiyur as there are many trees and shrubs there. We started removing the seemai karuvelem (prosopis juliflora) trees so that the native shrubs and trees that are edible for the herbivores can grow better. Now, there are more deer and migratory birds than usual, which is why we did not remove the natural vegetation along the bund,” said Darwin Annadurai, a volunteer of Eco Society of India.

The volunteers have also planted more saplings near the lake so that the animals can have adequate space during the summer. “There are many saplings that are edible for the deer. They are moving closer to the public residing in the locality,” said Srikanth K, another volunteer.

The residents are planning to form a lake protection committee involving youngsters and residents’ welfare association at Selaiyur. “Soon, our team would send a proposal to the PWD for setting up STP at the waterbody to control sewage and plastic pollution affecting the lake. Also, we would study the silt deposition and submit a proposal for desilting and using the silt to strengthen the lake bund,” said Darwin.

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