Advertisement

Updated November 24th, 2019 at 15:05 IST

CZA directs Gujarat government to probe deaths of wild animals near Statue of Unity

Move comes following a complaint by wildlife activist Ajay Dubey who said that many wild animals, claimed to have been brought illegally into India, have died.

CZA
| Image:self
Advertisement

The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has sought an investigation and detailed report from the Gujarat government over alleged violation of wildlife norms and reported deaths of a few animals meant for a jungle safari project near the Statue of Unity, according to official documents. The move comes following a complaint by wildlife activist Ajay Dubey who said that many wild animals, claimed to have been brought illegally into India from abroad, have allegedly died. Citing Dubey's complaint, the CZA recently directed the chief wildlife warden of Gujarat to get the matter investigated and submit a factual report for necessary action. A copy of the CZA letter seeking investigation and report was shared with Dubey.

Read- World Bank President Malpass visits Statue of Unity with Gujarat CM

The CZA is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change. Its main objective is to complement and strengthen the national effort in conservation of the country's rich biodiversity, among others. Every zoological park in the country is required to obtain recognition from the CZA for its operation.

A number of animals and birds have been brought to Gujarat from 17 countries for the jungle safari inside the yet-to-be inaugurated Sardar Patel Zoological Park being developed near the Statue of Unity at Kevadia in Narmada district. The 182-metre statue of India's first home minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October last year. The world-class zoo, which is being developed, is part of a plan to make the region near the Statue of Unity a major tourist attraction. Lions, tigers, leopards, 12 types of deer and antelopes, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, bison, and other exotic animals have arrived at the safari park from 17 countries. They have been kept in the safari park, Rajiv Gupta, managing director of Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Ltd (SSNL), had said recently.

However, there have been reports of deaths of animals that were brought to the zoo. At least two impalas and a giraffe have died within one month, activist Dubey said citing recent media reports. There have been deaths of wild animals, which were brought illegally from abroad, for the jungle safari project, he claimed. 

Read- PM Modi to pay tribute to Sardar Patel at Statue of Unity in Gujarat

Read- National parks in India that are perfect vacays for wildlife lovers

Advertisement

Published November 24th, 2019 at 14:24 IST

Your Voice. Now Direct.

Send us your views, we’ll publish them. This section is moderated.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending Quicks

Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar
3 minutes ago
National Mall, Washington DC
5 minutes ago
Wall Street news
6 minutes ago
mallikarjun kharge, lalu yadav
7 minutes ago
Swiggy
12 minutes ago
Chandrakant Pandit and Gautam Gambhir
14 minutes ago
Erode MDMK MP Ganeshamurthi, 77, Dies in Hospital After Alleged Suicide Attempt At House
16 minutes ago
2000 note
17 minutes ago
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Whatsapp logo