Wildlife conservationist files PIL in HC for violation of multiple rules at Pilikula Biological Park
Mangaluru: A wildlife conservationist has filed public interest litigation (PIL) in the Karnataka High Court alleging serious violation of several rules at the Pilikula Biological Park and asking for immediate probe and action by the authorities concerned.
The petitioner Bhuvan M, who is also a member of the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), among other wildlife organizations, and High Court advocate Ashwin Joyston Kutinha, conducted an independent survey of the park at Pilikula on Oct 31, 2024. The findings of the survey are learned to have brought to light multiple breaches of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and the Recognition of Zoo Rules, 2009 at the park, reports Times of India.
The conservationist, speaking on the issue, has alleged that the enclosures for the animals were unsafe and deteriorating in condition, with the barriers being rusted and damaged. He pointed out that the condition of the enclosures posed serious risks to the animals inside. The survey further found that fishing nets were being used as barriers, which was a hazardous and also unauthorized arrangement. The Central Zoo Authority has mandated minimum size requirements to be used for enclosures but the management at Pilikula has failed to follow the rule, Bhuvan said.
Speaking about care of the animals at the biological park, the conservationist has said that the survey found veterinary care to be substandard as the administration failed to follow the government rules. The animals lived in highly unhygienic conditions with the water used being contaminated.
Bhuvan has further alleged that the unauthorized acquisition and release of animals was a violation of Central Zoo Authority guidelines.
Stating that multiple RTI applications were filed by him on the above issues, the conservationist accused the concerned authorities of attempting to suppress the truth regarding the condition at the biological park through delays in response to the applications. He also said that the matter would be escalated by submitting a detailed representation to the Central Zoo Authority, the chief wildlife warden, the principal chief conservator of forests and the commissioner, Pilikula Development Authority on February 24.
He has demanded action against the concerned government officials and transfer of the management of the Pilikula Biological Park to ensure the wellbeing of animals.
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Davangere: Class 9 student dies of heart attack
Davangere: A 14-year-old Class 9 student reportedly died of a heart attack in Goguddu village of Jagalur taluk early Monday morning.
The deceased was identified as Muzammil, the second of three children of Chaman Saab and Fatima. He was a student of Rajiv Gandhi Residential High School in Hanumanthapura village.
According to family members, Muzammil collapsed inside his house around 3 am after getting up. His parents immediately took him to a nearby hospital, but he reportedly died on the way.
Thippeswamy, secretary of Gyan Jyothi Vidya Sanstha, along with the headmaster and teachers of Rajiv Gandhi Residential High School, and residents of Goguddu village, expressed their condolences over the untimely demise.
