In an attempt to curb the illegal sale of birds in different markets of Kolkata, the West Bengal Forest Department has decided to prosecute the buyers of different species of indigenous birds and animals, whose sale is prohibited under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
“Since April 2013, the West Bengal Forest Department has seized over thousands of birds from different markets of Kolkata and arrested more than 100 persons connected with the illegal trade,” S Kulandaivel, Divisional Forest Officer Wildlife, (headquarters) told The Hindu on Tuesday.
Stating that the State Forest Department has so far only prosecuted the sellers of the birds, Mr Kulandaivel said, “Since the sale of birds is demand-driven, it is necessary that those who buy the birds are also prosecuted.”
The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 refers to “illegal possession” of animals and birds, irrespective of whether one is a seller or a buyer, a person can be charged under the provisions of the Act. The maximum punishment under the Act entails imprisonment up to seven years.
Experts say that the illegal sale of birds is common in certain markets like the Ghalif Street in the northern part of the city, Moulali in central Kolkata, and Boral market in the south.
In the recent months the forest officials have not only seized rare birds but also turtles, mongoose and even monkeys. The officials seized vehicles used for transporting these animals and birds, as well as a huge amount of cash.
Among the birds which are illegally sold include birds from the parakeet family — Alexandrine Parakeet, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Blossom headed Parakeet, Red-breasted Parakeet, Chestnut- tailed Starling, Black-headed Oriole, Asian Koyel and Red Myna.
The West Bengal Forest department on Monday released posters to spread awareness among people about the illegal trade, and set free 20 birds (12 Alexandrine Parakeet and eight Rose-ringed Parakeet) recently seized from the markets in the city, in a nature park at Salt Lake, Kolkata .
While a section of birds sold in the markets of the city are brought from the adjoining States of Bihar and Jharkhand, birds from West Bengal are also sold in the markets, experts said.
