800-metre stretch at Indore's SGSITS declared as 'no vehicle zone' to save squirrels

The administration of the Govindram Seksaria Institute of Technological Sciences (SGSITS) in Indore has created a 'no vehicle zone' in an area that usually has high traffic. This decision has been taken to save the squirrels here, as they are often fatally damaged by vehicles passing by. Now, with a ban on four-wheelers in effect, students and residents of the campus shall have to either walk or cycle through an 800-metre stretch.

Driving and parking cars not permitted

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The Director of SGSITS was quoted saying- "The squirrel population increased quite a bit during the COVID-19 lockdown and there are about 1,500 on the campus. In the front and middle of the campus, there are two large roads about 800 metres long. After lockdown restrictions were lifted, we noticed corpses of squirrels on the road."

Despite spreading awareness about this threat among the campus residents, no significant improvements were noticed. Hence, the campus administration decided to create a 'no vehicle zone'. Within the 'no vehicle zone', driving or parking cars is not permitted, however, use of two-wheelers and cycles are permitted.

Animal population residing in SGSITS

According to the garden in-charge of the college, squirrels and other creatures are an important part of the ecosystem of the campus. In the 30-acre campus, around 6,000 students and staff reside along with high-oxygen producing plants, rabbits and a bee colony, among other animals. Further, efforts are underway to increase the butterfly population.

- With agency inputs