NGO seeks strict action against MLA

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Club belonging to Vinayak Raut found to have illegally kept wild animals on its premises

The Mumbai-based PAWS-Mumbai, an NGO working for the protection of wildlife, has alleged that the Forest Department is not taking adequately strict action against the Dolphin Fish Aquarium & Boating Club at Vile Parle because the club belongs to former MLA, Vinayak Raut. During a raid by authorities, the club was found to have illegally kept wild animals on its premises.

About Pics : Caged birds at the Dolphin Fish Aquarium & Boating Club, allegedly owned by MLA Vinayak Raut

In April this year, PAWS-Mumbai made a complaint to the Forest Department against the club and also provided them pictures of the animals kept in the club without permission of the Wildlife authorities. They also provided a picture of a monitor lizard’s skin. The club does not have permission of the Central Zoo Authority, which is mandatory, and without which one cannot keep wild animals and display them publicly.

According to PAWS-Mumbai, initially, the forest department was not ready to take any action against the club, but after Maneka Gandhi intervened in the matter, and several complaints were made by us, they reluctantly took some action on Saturday.
Forest officials admit that they recovered six parrots, two cuckoos, two squirrels, and one wild cat from the club. They, however, have not recovered the skin of the monitor lizard.

About Pics : Sunish Subramanian, Founder of PAWS-Mumbai

“Forest Department had taken action under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 only. Since the club does not have permission of the Central Zoo Authority to keep wild animals, but was earning money by displaying it, the Forest Department should have taken action against the club under the Central Zoo Act, 1992,” said Sunish Subramanian, Founder of PAWS-Mumbai.

Subramanian further added, “The club belongs to former MLA Vinayak Raut and that is why the Forest Department is not taking strong action.”
When contacted, Shri Bhagwan, Chief Conservator of Forests, Thane said, “Our officers is still in the midst of investigations. Based on our findings, we will take further action against the club owner.”