With the beginning of the migratory season and arrival of birds at the Point Calimere bird sanctuary, the Forest Department has launched a drive to create awareness of dangers involved in hunting birds.
A special team has been formed under the Nagapattinam Wildlife Warden to maintain a vigil against hunting of birds. It is carrying out a round-the-clock patrolling. Officials said the district attracts a variety of migratory birds. Apart from Point Calimere, birds visit other places such as Kameswaram, Vizhunthamavadi, Vettaikaraniruppu, Thalaignaiyru, Thaevur, Keezhvelur, Thittacherry, Thirumarugal, Vedaranyam, Pushpavanm, Sembodai, Kariyapattinam, Panchanathikulam, Kuravapulam, Vaimedu, Pudupattinam, Kollidam, Vaitheeswarankovil, Mangaimadam, Akkur, Tharangambadi, Sembanarkovil, Mayiladuthurai, Kuttalam and Manalmedu.
Special camps are being held in the villages to sensitise people to harmful effects of hunting birds. Apart from posters and billboards, handbills are distributed to people in places of public congregation. The message is conveyed through tom tom in villages, sources said.
The sources said hunting birds and assisting hunting were punishable under Indian Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and violators are liable to face prison terms up to seven years and a penalty of Rs.25,000. Social activists, environmentalists and the public have been requested to pass on information, if any, regarding hunting to the Forest Range Officers in Nagapattinam/ Sirkazhi (mobile - 9443649119) or Vedaranyam (8940998988) or the Wildlife Warden at 04365-253092. The identity of the informants would be kept confidential, the sources said.
