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| Migratory birds on sale in broad day light in Kashmir | | |  Early Times Report
Srinagar, Jan 28: As the government has failed to stop unabated poaching of migratory birds, they are being sold openly in broad day light in various markets of Kashmir.
As per the reports received by Early Times, the migratory birds are being sold at various places in Kashmir.
"These are being sold at Bandipora, Hazratbal Srinagar, Tealbal, Narbal areas of the valley," an official of Wild Life Department said. "In Srinagar areas around Dal are vulnerable for sale and purchase of the migratory birds," the official.
The Early Times is in possession of a picture which reveals migratory birds are being sold in various markets. This picture the official said is of Bandipora where migratory birds are being openly sold.
Earlier a video also went viral showing a person selling a flock of migratory birds on Dr Ali Jan Road near Anchar.
"The poaching of migratory birds in Hokersar wetland is at the peak. The killing of these migratory birds during the dark hours is creating disturbance and could prove detrimental for the ecosystem of this wetland," said Mohammad Ayub, who lives adjacent to the wetland.
The migratory birds that visit these wetlands mostly come from Siberia, Central Asia, Northern Europe, Ladakh and China.
Sources within the Wildlife Department said that government was making no efforts to enhance anti-poaching infrastructure of the department.
"The Department is lacking manpower to curb on poaching incidents. Authorities are not providing vehicles to the concerned officials to arrest poachers," the official said.
He says that Wild Life Department could do very little unless it has proper infrastructure and manpower.
The poaching and even sale of live birds are common every year at the time of arrival of these birds to the Valley. The practice is however prohibited under the J&K Wildlife Protection Act of 1978. It is worth to mention here that the Wildlife Protection Act of 1978 which was amended in 2002 stated that poaching or hunting is an offence and the accused can face punishment with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years or with a fine of up to Rs 25,000 or both.
Voicing concern over the reckless hunting of the migratory birds, wildlife experts have rued that it could have serious ramifications on the inflow of the birds in coming years and subsequently affect the Valley's eco-system.
Even as he admitted they lack of manpower and infrastructure was creating hindrance to stop the killing of migratory birds, the official said they have deployed staff in strength and night patrolling has been enhanced to nab the poachers. |
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