SURVIVAL OF DEER IN DIYARA REGION AT RISK

SURVIVAL OF DEER IN DIYARA REGION AT RISK

12-JUNE-ENG 16

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA------------------------------The survival of deer roaming freely in the *Diyara* (riverine) region along the banks of the Ganges—specifically along the route from Arrah to Shahpur—appears to be in jeopardy. Deer, which were once seen in large numbers, are now rarely spotted. Locals attribute this steady decline in population to changing environmental conditions and the continuous shrinking of their natural habitat.

According to experts, the thickets, *Moonj* and *Sarpat* grasses, sand dunes, and grassy terrains of the *Diyara* region served as a natural habitat for the deer. However, these areas have rapidly diminished over time, creating a crisis regarding safe shelter and food for the animals.

Locals state that alongside the degradation of their natural habitat, the threat of poaching also looms large over the deer's survival. Although there is awareness regarding deer safety at the village level and residents keep a watch on them, their numbers continue to dwindle due to a lack of adequate conservation measures.

Villagers note that spotting deer in the *Diyara* region has become a rare sight, whereas until a few years ago, they were easily seen in large numbers across open fields and grasslands.

Environmentalists and local villagers have urged the Forest Department to take special initiatives for the conservation of the deer. They warn that if concrete steps are not taken in time to preserve their natural habitat and effectively curb poaching, deer could face total extinction in the *Diyara* region. The villagers have demanded that the Forest Department implement regular monitoring, launch conservation drives, and develop an environment conducive to the deer's well-being.