Ahmedabad: On March 28, a 17-year-old youth from the Science City area was hit by a nilgai (blue bull) as the wild animal was reportedly startled by the honking of a heavy vehicle on the other side of the road. The injuries on the youth’s face were so severe that they resulted in the doctors declaring him brain-dead after two days of intensive treatment.The accident has put the human-animal conflict in sharp focus as the city’s urban footprint is expanding now beyond SP Ring Road. The habitat of blue bulls overlaps with the area of rapid development. According to data from the forest department, the city periphery (and a spot near Dehgam in Gandhinagar) has recorded deaths of five nilgais since Jan 25 this year. One injured animal was rescued and released after recovery. In almost all cases, the deaths occurred after road accidents. Several persons in the Science City area and other nearby areas have reported injuries after nilgai encounters. Savita Patel, 73, a resident of the area, said that she was injured in an accident three years ago involving a nilgai. “The animal was running, and it hit me, resulting in my falling on the roadside,” she said. “It took me some time to recover and lead a normal life.” Darshan Patel, the chairman of Lotus Residency, said that repeated incidents have forced the society to clear several acres of land that earlier served as the animals’ habitat. “Nilgais are active during dusk and dawn hours and are difficult to spot due to their dark coat,” he said. Social worker Rohit Patel said, “I have written to the AMC and the forest department, asking them to relocate the nilgai or take preventive measures.” He said, “However, the AMC has said that since the animal is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, the forest department should handle the matter. There needs to be coordinated action.” The nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus), or blue bull, is the largest Asian antelope, native to the Indian subcontinent. Though listed as ‘Least Concern’ on the IUCN Red List, it is protected under Schedule III of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
