Reportedly there is an increase in smuggling of wildlife meat into the capital complex every year during the festive season especially New Year’s eve. In this backdrop the Banderdewa Forest Division has step up search operations in all the entry points to the state capital and has urged citizens for cooperation.

But a handful of dedicated forest officials without the wherewithal seem to be fighting a losing battle helpless to contain the plunder of the state’s rich biodiversity. 

A biodiversity hotspot no doubt, but being a predominantly tribal state, the people of this region have depended on the forest for their livelihood since time immemorial and have great reverencetowards forests and what it has to offer. But lately the balance has tilted alarmingly.

Two factors are largely responsible for the dwindling wildlife of the state; the loss of natural habitat and two, the rampant hunting taking place.  

In the past, wildlife was a source of sustenance but now hunting has taken the form of a serious problem due to its commercialization. Wildlife is hunted indiscriminately for the markets thus putting them under tremendous strain. From endangered birds, squirrels etc, even the mithun which has a special space in indigenous society are all being thoughtlessly killed. 

Under Wildlife Protection Act 1972,  hunting, killing, possession, dealings of meat, trophies, carcasses, articles of wildlife including animals, birds, reptiles, insects, plants etc are punishable offences with quantum of punishments up to 7 years term imprisonment and hefty fine both.  But is it implemented?

Non-implementation of stringent laws in protecting wildlife has emboldened offenders. 

It is sad to see wildlife meat sold openly in the markets even across the state capital. If people indulging in such trade need to be damned, it is also a fact that this business couldn’t have flourished without consumers.

If this has to end, offenders including buyers with a taste for the ‘exotic’ must be held guilty as well.

 

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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