‘rat’tled: HC asks NDMC to remove stray dogs from Lodhi Garden

Taking note of a media report on the growing number of bandicoots in Central Delhi's Lodhi Gardens, who feed on the eatables left behind for birds by visitors to the garden, the Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued notice to the Delhi government and the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC).

The High Court asked them to submit a report highlighting the steps taken to control the menace at the next date of hearing.

According to the media report, the bandicoots are attracted by the food left behind by visitors for birds in the park. The rodents have dug up burrows inside the park, which could cause cave-ins.

The report said the bandicoots only come out at night, scaring away other animals in the park and have also gnawed into tree roots and waterpipes.

Last fortnight, this caused a major leak in one of the pipes.

Huge burrows dug around some trees have weakened the roots of the trees and the park authorities had to barricade them as they are in danger of falling.

The court also directed the NDMC to remove all stray dogs from the gardens within two weeks as they posed a danger to children visiting the park.

"Catch hold of all those stray dogs. We have noticed several stray dogs moving around inside the garden. As a lot of children come there, steps are required to remove the dogs," the court said.

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