Mrudul Godbole
18-02-2011, 09:53 AM
I was shocked after reading this news..
West Bengal minister wants to auction wild animals
TNN, Feb 17, 2011, 04.09am IST
KOLKATA: West Bengal forest minister Ananta Ray has thrown every wildlife conservation rule out of the window. He feels Bengal has too many leopards, elephants and rhinos and they could be sold to private owners — the highest bidders as it were. They might even be exported to foreign zoos or sterilized to make sure they don't breed further, the minister said.
The proposals, described as "absurd and illegal" by wildlife experts, were mooted by Ray at a press meet at Writers' Buildings on Monday. The forest department will soon write to the Union forest and environment ministry to seek permission, Ray said.
Bisons, rhinos, deer, elephants and leopards were "in excess" in some forests of Bengal, he said. They stray into villages, injure and kill people. "Leopards and elephants have grown in number phenomenally. We have planned three things. They could be sterilized to control their population. We could transfer the excess population from forests to zoos. We also have the option of selling them to private individuals. We have received applications from a few interested parties," said Ray.
Wildlife activists reacted angrily, saying Ray didn't know basic wildlife protection rules. "No animal is 'in excess' in any Indian forest. Wildlife rules strictly forbid the transfer of animals from the wild to captivity, be it a zoo in India or abroad. The plan to sell animals to private individuals is crazy. How can a minister make a statement which goes against the basic tenets of wildlife protection laws?" said Bittu Sahgal, wildlife activist. Ray admitted the chances of the proposals being accepted by the Centre were slim. "The elephant is our national animal. It remains to be seen if the Centre allows."
Link - West Bengal minister wants to auction wild animals - The Times of India (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/West-Bengal-minister-wants-to-auction-wild-animals/articleshow/7512342.cms)
West Bengal minister wants to auction wild animals
TNN, Feb 17, 2011, 04.09am IST
KOLKATA: West Bengal forest minister Ananta Ray has thrown every wildlife conservation rule out of the window. He feels Bengal has too many leopards, elephants and rhinos and they could be sold to private owners — the highest bidders as it were. They might even be exported to foreign zoos or sterilized to make sure they don't breed further, the minister said.
The proposals, described as "absurd and illegal" by wildlife experts, were mooted by Ray at a press meet at Writers' Buildings on Monday. The forest department will soon write to the Union forest and environment ministry to seek permission, Ray said.
Bisons, rhinos, deer, elephants and leopards were "in excess" in some forests of Bengal, he said. They stray into villages, injure and kill people. "Leopards and elephants have grown in number phenomenally. We have planned three things. They could be sterilized to control their population. We could transfer the excess population from forests to zoos. We also have the option of selling them to private individuals. We have received applications from a few interested parties," said Ray.
Wildlife activists reacted angrily, saying Ray didn't know basic wildlife protection rules. "No animal is 'in excess' in any Indian forest. Wildlife rules strictly forbid the transfer of animals from the wild to captivity, be it a zoo in India or abroad. The plan to sell animals to private individuals is crazy. How can a minister make a statement which goes against the basic tenets of wildlife protection laws?" said Bittu Sahgal, wildlife activist. Ray admitted the chances of the proposals being accepted by the Centre were slim. "The elephant is our national animal. It remains to be seen if the Centre allows."
Link - West Bengal minister wants to auction wild animals - The Times of India (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/West-Bengal-minister-wants-to-auction-wild-animals/articleshow/7512342.cms)