Hunting of wild birds goes unchecked in Ganderbal

KANGAN: The hunting of wild fauna goes unchecked in this central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, reports said. Reports said that some persons are hunting wild birds in forest area of Haknar in Tehsil Gund since past few days. Reports also said that some miscreants from Ganderbal district's Gutlibag area are allegedly hunting wild birds in the forest area of Haknar Gund in broad daylight with authorities watching as mute spectators.

Reports further said that four persons are visiting Haknar Gund area since four days for hunting the wild birds adding that everyday they are hunting 4 to 5 wild birds. When contacted Range officer wild life department Ganderbal, Shamas ud din Ahmed said that there are inputs that some miscreants are hunting wild fauna.

"We received inputs about some persons hunting wild birds in Haknar adding that our department is having a close vigil on the miscreants and assured that soon they will be caught hold of them" , he said. He further said that if anyone from our department indulge or favour this illegal practice, he will be strictly dealt under law. Meanwhile experts are of the opinion that the unabated hunting of birds will have serious ramification on inflow of migratory birds in coming years.

Pertinently, the Wildlife Protection Act of 1978 which was amended in 2002 states that hunting is an offense 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. “The Act seems to be on papers only as this has not been implemented in letter and spirit,” the residents alleged.