Delhi High Court Orders DDA To Retain Deer In Hauz Khas Park Pending Mini Zoo Status Renewal

The Delhi High Court has instructed the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to retain around two dozen deer in the Deer Park located in Hauz Khas, contingent upon the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) renewing its mini zoo status. This decision follows the CZA’s technical committee approval in June 2023 to relocate approximately 600 deer after revoking the DDA’s license to operate the park as a mini zoo due to the failure to prevent inbreeding and adhere to guidelines.

The approved relocation was to be carried out in a 70:30 ratio, provided the authorities complied with statutory provisions and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) guidelines. The DDA decided to keep the deer in response to the Delhi High Court’s directive to retain at least 50 deer in the park. The court was addressing a plea by the New Delhi Nature Society, which sought to halt the relocation, alleging that the deer were being transported without considering their health, age, and physical condition and without prior health check-ups.

The plea, filed by advocates Arjun Sahni and Siddharth Verma, also requested that the DDA strictly adhere to the CZA and IUCN guidelines during the relocation. These guidelines prohibit relocating pregnant females and newly born deer with horns.

During the hearing on Friday, the DDA counsel presented an affidavit stating that its vice-chairman and Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena had approved the proposal to retain some deer in the park, subject to obtaining the necessary approvals from the CZA. The affidavit also assured that the DDA would seek the required approvals and ensure compliance with the relevant guidelines.

Taking the DDA’s affidavit into account, the court disposed of the petition.