Latest news with #WildlifeProtectionAct
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Tree-trimming tragedy in Thane: 45 birds dead, 28 injured after nests destroyed at housing society
THANE: Around 45 sub-adult and juvenile birds—mostly pond herons and egrets—were found dead, and around 28 others, including a raven, were rescued with injuries after falling from their nests during a reckless tree-trimming operation at Rutu Enclave Society in Anand Nagar, Ghodbunder Road, Thane. The trimming was apparently carried out without relocating the birds or their nests. The incident came to light on Thursday afternoon after a concerned resident and animal lover alerted Mypalclub Foundation, an animal welfare NGO. Volunteers rushed to the scene and found dead and injured birds, shattered nests, and scattered eggs. Some birds were found in a decomposed condition, indicating they may have died a day earlier. Shockingly, some bird carcasses were found stuffed into sacks allegedly by the society contractor workers, while others—injured and alive—were dumped into a nearby gutter. Forest officials and rescue teams fear the death toll may rise, as several birds are still believed to be still trapped under the debris after the rescue operations were stopped late Thursday evening. Aditi Nair from Mypalclub Foundation said, 'Most of the fledglings were too young to fly. They crashed from nests high above or were crushed by falling branches. We managed to rescue 24 live birds, many of them in critical condition, suffering fractures, open wounds, and shock.' Roshan, a rescue worker, said many dead birds had internal injuries and smashed skulls. A detailed autopsy is pending that could also reveal the species and age of the birds. As of Thursday evening, Rohit Mohite of NGO Wildlife Welfare Association said their rescuers had recovered 45 dead and 28 injured birds from the society premises and drains. The toll could increase, he hinted, as large amounts of green debris remained uncleared. A resident said the compound's dense green cover had long served as a nesting ground for various bird species. The society allegedly began pruning trees after a few residents complained of bird droppings posing health risks. While the plan was initially debated and paused due to objections, trimming resumed earlier this week without precautions. Society office bearers were unavailable for comment. Civic and forest authorities have launched separate investigations and were preparing to file charges. 'Though the society obtained permission to prune trees, workers failed to follow safety protocols or check for nests,' said a senior civic official. Forest officials who were questioning the society members till late Thursday said once the species was confirmed after post mortem, a case under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, may be invoked. Meanwhile, several adult birds returning to their nests were seen hovering over the society premises trying to locate their nests while few were seen wandering near the carcass.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Thane bird deaths: Forest dept files FIR against 4
Thane: A day after around 45 sub-adult and juvenile birds fell to their death from their nests and 28 others suffered injuries during a tree trimming operation at a Thane housing society, the forest department lodged an FIR against four persons, including the contractor, on Friday. Kasarwadavli police, too, registered a non-cognisable complaint late on Thursday on Thane Municipal Corporation's nudge. A team of forest officials revisited the site, Rutu Enclave Society in Anand Nagar, to check if any fledgling had been left behind. Many birds were seen hovering over the premises and tree stumps, desperately trying to locate their nests. Officials and rescue workers said the condition of some juvenile birds was worsening, raising fears that the death count could go up. "We recorded the statements of three senior citizens —an office bearer of the society's committee and two residents who wrote to it requesting the tree trimming. The fourth accused is the contractor who is yet to record his statement as he is away due to a health emergency at home. Relevant sections of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, have been invoked. The next course of action may be decided after the contractor's statement is recorded," said Dinesh Desale, range forest officer, Thane. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 11 Foods That Help In Healing Knee Pain Naturally Undo Other forest officials said some birds that died were a protected species under Schedule II of the Act and the charges invoked involve a jail term of at least two years. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai Activists said they could approach higher authorities if the administration's action felt unsatisfactory.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Tantric rituals lead to wildlife crime arrest, 1 held
Rajkot: Forest officials arrested a 48-year-old man from Simran village in Savarkundla taluka on Thursday for illegal possession of protected wildlife parts allegedly used in tantric rituals. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The seized items include the skin of a blackbuck and two lion claws. The arrest followed a raid conducted by the forest department based on specific intelligence inputs about the use of endangered species in occult practices. Range forest officer Pratap Chandu, who is leading the investigation, confirmed that the recovered items were found at the residence of the accused, Valji Matang. "We have sent the blackbuck skin and lion claws to a forensic laboratory for examination," Chandu said. "The accused claimed that these items were over two decades old and were brought into the household by his grandfather for religious purposes." However, officials clarified that the Wildlife Protection Act strictly prohibits the possession, trade, or use of any body parts of protected animals, regardless of their age or intended use. Matang was booked under relevant sections of the Wildlife Protection Act and produced before a local court on Friday. The court granted forest officials three days of custodial interrogation to further probe the origin and possible trade links of the seized items. Amreli district, which is home to 339 of Gujarat's 891 Asiatic lions as per the latest census, is considered a high-sensitivity zone for wildlife conservation. The forest department has been keeping a close watch on illegal activities involving protected species in the region.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
403 Indian star tortoises seized at Trichy airport
Trichy: The customs department has seized 403 live Indian star tortoises at Trichy international airport and handed them over to the forest department. Two men from Chennai attempted to smuggle the endangered species on a flight from Trichy to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and were detained. On Wednesday, officials intercepted two passengers for suspicious behaviour. On inspecting their bags, the tortoises were found. Forest officials said the tortoise is classified under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, providing maximum protection. The forest department has formed teams to investigate the seizure. A preliminary inquiry showed that the tortoises were brought from Chennai. "As the seizure involves a large number of tortoises, there is a possibility that they were brought from a captive breeding facility. Indian star tortoises can be found in reserve forest areas too," an official source told TOI. The two men were taken into custody for questioning. The tortoises are being released into their natural habitats in 10 different locations. Further investigation is on. Indian star tortoises are believed to have medicinal properties and are smuggled for illegal pet trade.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Customs rescue 403 tortoises from two passengers at Tiruchi airport
The Customs officials rescued 403 live Indian Star tortoises from two Kuala Lumpur bound passengers at the Tiruchi international Airport on Wednesday. The officials intercepted the two passengers when they came to the airport to board a Batik Air flight. The officials found 403 live Indian Star tortoises from their trolley bags. The tortoises and the passengers were later handed over to the Forest Department in Tiruchi to take action against them under the Wildlife Protection Act, a message posted in the X platform of the Trichy Customs (Preventive) Commissionerate said.
