Unprecedented Cruelty on Innocent Animals!
More than 130 wild animals and birds were discovered poached by just two teams of hunters in Ketugram, East Burdwan. This strongly suggests that numerous hunting parties might have caused the death of a large number of animals.
A group of 30 hunters had been indiscriminately killing various birds and animals that clung to the forests and nature for survival. After receiving several such complaints, the police of Ketugram police station in East Burdwan and the district forest department finally took action. According to Superintendent of Police Aman Deep, “Thirty people have been arrested under the Wildlife Protection Act for killing wild animals. The arrested individuals are residents of Birbhum.”
The Bird Sanctuary of Chupi
The Chupi Bird Sanctuary in East Burdwan district has made its mark on the state’s tourism map. This sanctuary has now become a haven for various species of foreign birds. Attracted by the sight of these birds, many tourists visit Chupi Bird Sanctuary throughout the year. Observing this, the district’s animal and bird lover organizations and residents also wish for all forest-covered areas in the district to become safe havens for wild animals and birds. However, due to the cruelty of hunters, this is not becoming a reality.
The Hunters’ Brutality
According to the residents of Ketugram and members of animal and bird lover organizations, there are bushes and forests along the banks of the Ajay and Bhagirathi rivers in Ketugram and Katwa. Many wild animals and various types of birds also take shelter there. However, the hunters’ eyes fell on these wild animals and birds that had taken refuge in the bushes and forests of Ketugram. The hunters from Birbhum hunted the animals and birds that had taken shelter in the bushes and forests of Ketugram on Saturday. They roamed around various places in Ketugram and indiscriminately killed hundreds of different species of birds, 12 types of monitor lizards, mongooses, squirrels, jungle cats, and civets.
The Community’s Shock
Legal Action
The district forest officer filed a complaint at Ketugram police station. Based on this, the police registered a case under the ‘Wildlife Protection Act’ and arrested 30 hunters. They were presented in Katwa Sub-Divisional Court on Sunday. The judge granted them bail on conditions.
The Reason Behind the Indiscriminate Killing
What is the reason behind such indiscriminate killing of wild animals? The arrested hunter, Jagannath Hembram, said they hunted wild animals for meat consumption. He says, “We go hunting once a year for a festival. Similarly, we went hunting on Saturday. However, we did not realize that we would be arrested for hunting.”
The Forest Department’s Stand
Assistant Forest Officer Somnath Choudhury stated, “It is illegal to kill wild animals. Thirty individuals have been arrested for unlawfully killing over two hundred wild animals on Saturday. We are consistently working to prevent the killing of wild animals during hunting festivals. Unfortunately, completely stopping the hunting of wild animals is a challenge.”
The Call of the Wild
The Chupi Bird Sanctuary, a place where the wild things are, has become a significant attraction for bird watchers, wildlife photographers, and nature enthusiasts. The presence of these birds and animals maintains the balance of nature. However, the recent events have disrupted this balance. The call of the wild is being silenced by the actions of these hunters. The birds of paradise and other exotic species that find refuge in this sanctuary are now at risk.
Into the Wild
The forests and bushes along the Ajay and Bhagirathi rivers are habitats for numerous wild animals and birds, playing a crucial role in maintaining the balance of nature. Unfortunately, the actions of hunters have threatened this balance. The indiscriminate killing of wild animals and birds has disrupted the ecosystem’s balance, drowning out the call of the wild.
The Role of Conservationists
Conservationists and animal activists play a crucial role in protecting wild animals and birds. The balance of nature can only be maintained if they are protected. Recent events have highlighted the need for stricter enforcement of wildlife protection laws.
The Importance of Wildlife Protection
Protecting wild animals and birds is crucial for maintaining the balance of nature. Recent events in Ketugram have demonstrated the devastating impact of indiscriminate hunting, underscoring the need for stricter enforcement of wildlife protection laws. The future of wildlife protection relies on the actions of conservationists, animal activists, and the community.
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