Investigation raises questions on zoo transfers of exotic animals to Reliance-run Vantara
New Delhi: A recent investigative report published in Himal Southasian magazine has highlighted the issue of exotic wildlife smuggling into India through the porous borders of the northeast region. The report, authored by M. Rajshekhar, reveals that while many consignments of trafficked wildlife have been intercepted by law enforcement agencies and relocated to zoos, a significant number have found their way to Vantara, an initiative by Reliance Industries aimed at the 'rescue' and sheltering of wildlife.
Situated within the premises of the Jamnagar petrochemical complex, Vantara gained media attention during the pre-wedding festivities of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant in early March 2024.
According to the report, the dynamics of wildlife trade have evolved over time. While until 2018, most of the trade originated in India and was directed towards countries like Myanmar, China, and Vietnam, the trend has reversed. Presently, new supply chains are facilitating the influx of exotic species, including kangaroos, reptiles, birds, and primates from South-East Asia and Latin America into India.
Upon interception, the smuggled birds and animals are typically transferred to the nearest state-owned zoos in cities like Guwahati or Aizawl. However, a recent shift has been observed, as a significant number of these 'rescued' animals are subsequently relocated to Jamnagar from the zoos in Assam.
The report highlights the exponential growth of Vantara over the past four years, with a substantial collection of endangered species and a workforce of 2,700 individuals managing the facility. According to the Greens Zoological, Rescue, and Rehabilitation Centre's annual report for 2022–23, which collaborates with the Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust, Vantara houses 3,889 birds and animals representing 134 species.
Questions raised by the Himal report also pertain to the transfer of wildlife to Vantara from other zoos. For instance, the Sakkarbaug Zoo in Gujarat's Junagadh reportedly transferred 101 leopards to Jamnagar between March 2021 and March 2023, with unclear reasoning behind such a substantial transfer, as noted in the report.
In the fiscal year 2022–23, Greens documented a total of 160 transactions involving the receipt of wildlife. Some of the birds originated from state zoos located in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Manipur, Karnataka, West Bengal, Maharashtra, and Nagaland.
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Ishan Kishan reprimanded, fined 10 per cent of match fee for breach of IPL Code of Conduct
New Delhi, Apr 27: Mumbai Indians wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan was on Saturday reprimanded and fined 10 per cent of his match fees for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during a match against Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, here.
"Kishan committed a Level 1 offence under Article 2.2 of the IPL's Code of Conduct. He admitted to the offence and accepted the Match Referee's sanction," an IPL statement read.
"For Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct, the Match Referee's decision is final and binding."
Article 2.2 includes any action(s) outside the course of normal cricket actions, such as hitting or kicking the wickets and any action(s) which deliberately (i.e. intentionally), recklessly or negligently (in either case even if accidental) results in damage to the advertising boards, boundary fences, dressing room doors, mirrors, windows and other fixtures and fittings.
It also includes abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during a match, even though the IPL organisers didn't clarify Kishan's offence.
