Forest dept rescues 72 birds in Kanpur

Kanpur: The forest department team rescued 72 birds during a raid at the house of a wildlife smuggler in Chidimar area of the city. The accused, identified as Hashmat, managed to escape. A case was filed against him at Babupurwa police station under the Wildlife Protection Act.
The team led by sub-divisional forest officer Shiv Prasad reached the accused's house and found 72 parrots, including 40 chicks of Alexandrine parakeet species and 26 parrots and six chicks of the rose-ringed parakeet species in cages.
The forest department team documented evidence of the illegal bird trade operation. The parrots were kept in cramped conditions, showing signs of distress and neglect. The team also recovered equipment used for trapping birds, including nets and specially designed cages. The seized birds were transferred to a wildlife rehabilitation centre.
Both the Alexandrine parakeet and rose-ringed parakeet species are protected under Schedule IV of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and trading or keeping these birds in captivity is a punishable offence, said the official. Local residents told the team that Hashmat used to source birds from surrounding rural areas and sell them in the city. The forest department was monitoring his activities following multiple tip-offs from concerned citizens. An investigation has been initiated to identify others involved in wildlife smuggling.
The forest department has stepped up surveillance in Chidimar area, known for its history of illegal bird trade. Regular patrols and awareness programmes are being conducted to discourage such activities. The department has urged citizens to report any instances of wildlife trafficking to help protect endangered species.
Inspector Arun Kumar Dwivedi confirmed that search operations are ongoing in possible hideouts, and the police are coordinating with forest officials to apprehend the accused. Additional security measures have been implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.