Jawahar Deer Park

Parks of the Hyderabad

Jawahar Deer Park is spread over 65 acres on the banks of Shamirpet Lake. Spotted deers, peafowls, mountain lizards, civet cats, wild boars, porcupines, millipedes, centipedes, bull frog, common toads, rock python, common cobra, Russel’s viper, Kriat and varieties of butterflies can be found at the park. Apart from these, the park has a watchtower and a rock climbing point.

M Ashok Kumar, curator, National Parks, Hyderabad, said, “The park is divided into visitor’s area and core area. Though spread over a small area, the park is scientifically managed to provide adequate shelter, food and water to the fauna.

As per the census, there are 50 spotted deers, 15 peafowls, 7 mountain lizards and 30 species of birds at the park. Every month on an average 2,000 visitors come to the park.”

The entry fee for the park is Rs 10 for adults and Rs 5 for children. It operates between 9 am and 5 pm except Mondays.

History

The park was allotted to the forest department in 1975 and was inaugurated in 1980 by former AP chief minister Dr M Chenna Reddy and has been named after India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

Problems

There is no guesthouse inside the park for the convenience of officials or VIPs who visit the park. The existing one is damaged and unusable. The visitors say that the deers are very active and healthy but is difficult to spot them except during the feeding time at 11 am and 4 pm.

By:Ch Saibaba