Opinion When nilgais came to town: Wildlife in the heart of Ahmedabad

They have always been there, on the outskirts of the city. More recently, I had seen a small herd of nilgai, nervously walking in a densely populated lane. And, last month, when I was returning from Delhi, while landing, I had seen a herd of nilgai on the periphery of the airport. I realised that their habitat was slowly being destroyed and they were coming closer to the city. Interestingly, they did not appear to be afraid of human beings.

Nilgais, also known as blue bulls, have been observed in various areas of Ahmedabad in recent days. With their iron-gray-bluish coat and a dark mane, a sensitive wet snout, a short stiff black tuft on the throat, white beauty-spots on both cheeks and those beautiful large watery kohl-filled eyes, they have been spotted around the airport, Motera stadium, Koteshwar, Bhat village on Karnavati Road, near New LJ College and the Shahibaug area.

I have been wondering how and why they have suddenly found the courage to enter a big city like Ahmedabad and wondered what is happening in the areas they have lived in for so many years. They are protected animals, but some have been observed in urban areas, causing conflicts with humans. One night, when the chowkidar (security guard) was on leave and the gates of our housing society were open, I discovered why. Suddenly, there was a commotion and from the balcony, I saw about five or six nilgais rushing into the compound, driven by the municipal corporation staff. When I asked around, I discovered that herds of nilgai often enter the city and are chased. It makes them run helter-skelter, colliding into two-wheeler-riders, injuring themselves and others.

From my balcony, I saw that the nilgais looked frightened and lost, as they tried to find their bearings in a city that seemed to have no space for them. Maybe, soon they will be a new addition to Ahmedabad’s fauna, alongside cows, buffalos, bullocks, camels, horses, donkeys, cats, stray dogs and armies of langurs all around. Their population was increasing and the encroachment of urban development into their natural habitat meant less space for them. Perhaps, they will be safe in Ahmedabad — its last name ends with “gai”, meaning cow in Gujarati. I will not be surprised if soon they are fed, worshipped and domesticated.

In the meantime, I love watching them, even if they resemble ungainly horses. Their presence in Ahmedabad is a new phenomenon, as they walk around looking suspicious, eating leaves, flowers and berries. If you spot them again, let them be, if you can. You will see them standing still, with heads held high, gazing at the stars, a tiny oasis in the middle of a busy city.

David is a Sahitya Akademi Award-winning author, artist and art critic