Guwahati, June 26 (NKTV): The Environment & Forest Department authorities have filed an FIR against the Executive Member of Tangla Municipal Board for his action leading to the killing of scores of Egrets at Jalukbari area.
Following directive of Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma to enquire into the incident of killing of egrets on Friday, Environment and Forest Minister Parimal Suklabaidya directed the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) Amit Sahai to probe into the incident and submit a report immediately.
Divisional Forest Officer of Dhansiri Forest Division, Udalguri NK Bordoloi investigated into the incident and found that Executive Member of Tangla Municipal Board Shantanu Das had served notices on June 08 to five residents of Ward Nos. 1 and 2 to clear the bamboo grooves nesting the egrets and their fledglings as the ‘droppings of birds were’ creating unhygienic environment which may increase the risk of Covid-19 infection in the area.
Subsequently, birds were killed when the bamboo groove was hewn by municipal workers.
Meanwhile, the Forest authorities have filed an FIR against the Executive Member of the Municipal Board Das for the unfortunate incident at Tangla Police Station.
A case will also be filed against Das under Section 55 of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 in the Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Udalguri.
DFO Bordoloi has informed that 88 egret fledglings have been rescued and sent to the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation in Kaziranga.
It may be mentioned here that Egrets are listed under Schedule IV of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
The local forest authorities are planning to hold awareness meetings with leading citizens, NGOs and government officials on the need to protect wildlife.