Snakes roam in nuclear jungle

7 Jun 2009

MUMBAI: The verdant and breezy township of Anushakti Nagar in Trombay is not just a cool retreat for nuclear scientists. Snakes of various hues and

sizes are also a common sight here, and sometimes a cause of concern.

Earlier this week, two highly venomous Russells vipers were noticed by the residents, and later successfully rescued by a regular snake catcher, R V Raghavan.

"Since January 2008, I have rescued close to 200 snakes (both poisonous and non-poisonous) from Anushakti Nagar, the residential complex for staff of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC),'' said Raghavan, who is a member of Plant and Animals Welfare Society (PAWS).

He added that with the onset of the monsoon, he will get a lot busier with snake rescue work. "The two Russells vipers caught this week are among the most poisonous varieties found here. Earlier, I have also caught other big snakes like cobras, kraits and several non-poisonous rat snakes from this township,'' said Raghavan. Sunish Subramanian, founder-member of PAWS Mumbai, said that all rescued snakes are safely released in the Thane forest region. "Over 40,000 people stay at Anushakti Nagar in about 8000 flats, which include 17 highrises. Since the township is close to the forested hill area, snakes are a common occurrence. PAWS has advised residents to be alert while walking in the gardens and other green areas,'' said Subramanian.

While grass cutters have been advised to always keep lawns and hedges trimmed, residents are also very alert.

Hemant Wagh of Dilwara building in the complex told TOI: "Recently, a poisonous snake was caught near our building. We are very careful even while walking on the internal roads, and tell our children not to play in thick vegetation.''

Apart from snakes, the long-tailed macaque monkey is also commonly seen in this area.

Update

Update

Update

Update

Update

Update

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.”

Update

Update

Update

Update