Kochi: The Central Heritage Studies (CHS), which runs the Deer Park at Tripunithura Hill Palace, has sought a special grant of Rs one crore from the Culture Ministry to finally implement relocation of 230 deers to Thekkady and Thrissur which could not be implemented for nearly four years due to fund paucity. This after the authorities are faced with tricky question as to whether to invest funds for enclosure modernization and expansion or to carryout relocation of the animals as directed by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) back in January 2013. This is in view of the deer population rising and jostling for space, endangering their lives.
“The yearly maintenance alone comes to '20 lakh. We can’t further invest as there is a direction to rehabilitate them to a more friendly environment. A letter has been submitted to the Cultural Secretary on August 10 requesting to allot a Special Grant of Rs one crore for their shifting,” a senior CHS official said. The yearly grant allotted is not even sufficient for meeting the employees’ salary and the maintenance of heritage structures, he pointed out.
Following the CZA direction, the Forest Department has prepared a proposal to shift the deer to Kokkara in Thekkady and estimated the cost at Rs 1.1 crore. However, the estimated amount was further cut down by one lakh following the request by the CHS. The 'Deer Park currently has 230 deers, including 30 Sambar, in the one-acre enclosure which is grossly inadequate. There were at least three incidents ofdeer escaping and coming under attacks of stray dogs in the last two years. To control the rising population, the authorities had even mulled a sterilization exercise.
