3,350 turtles, exotic animals seized at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport
Bengaluru: Authorities at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) recently seized a large consignment of exotic animals, including around 3,350 red-eared slider turtles, 22 baby blue iguanas, and two African spurred tortoises.
Two individuals, identified as Balasubramanian Shanmugam and Vijayaraghavan Dhanapal, arrived from Thailand on a Thai Airways flight on Saturday, while a third suspect, Arunkumar Narayanaswamy, travelled on the same flight the following day. None of the three had the required documentation to transport exotic wildlife into India, as reported by Deccan Herald on Tuesday.
The seized animals were subsequently deported to their countries of origin, namely Malaysia and Thailand.
"Over the past couple of months, instances of wildlife smuggling have alarmingly increased at the Bengaluru airport, while they have reduced at the Chennai airport. It is mostly baby animals that are being smuggled. Mild sedatives are being used on these exotic animals to ensure smooth travel," DH quoted an official at the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau as saying.
Red-eared slider turtles, in particular, have emerged as one of the most frequently smuggled species, coming in from Malaysia to India. Under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the species is classified under Schedule IV, making it illegal to possess, trade, or transport without permit.
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Mangaluru’s Karavali Utsava is back; Cultural, beach events lined up, here’s the complete schedule
Mangaluru: This year’s Karavali Utsava will commence on December 20, with a wide range of cultural, adventure, and tourism-focused programs planned across Mangaluru and other parts of the Dakshina Kannada district, Deputy Commissioner Darshan H.V. said.
He was speaking while presiding over a Karavali Utsava preparedness review meeting held at the District Commissioner’s office.
The main event will be held at the Karavali Utsava grounds in the city. In an effort to promote beach tourism, special programs will be organised at six beaches across the district, which include Panambur, Ullal, Someshwara, Sasihitlu, Tannirbhavi, and the Blue Flag Beach.
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Outlining the schedule, the Deputy Commissioner said adventure sports will be held at Sasihitlu Beach, while a wine, cheese, and cake festival will take place at the Tannirbhavi Blue Flag Beach.
A music festival and triathlon are planned at Tannirbhavi Beach. Football, volleyball and other sports events will be organised at Ullal Beach, cultural programs at Panambur Beach, and a music evening and yoga program at Someshwara Beach.
In addition, food festivals featuring a variety of local and regional cuisines will be held at all beaches. The Kala Parba program and a flower and floriculture exhibition will be organised at Kadri Park, while a film festival is also planned in Mangaluru city.
A football tournament will be held at Nehru Maidan on December 27 and 28, and special programs will be organised at Pilikula Nisargadhama. To attract tourists, helicopter joyrides have also been arranged, the Deputy Commissioner said.
The review meeting was attended by Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Narvade Vinayak Karbari, Mangaluru Deputy Divisional Officer Meenakshi Arya, Deputy Commissioner of Police Mithun H.N., Deputy Conservator of Forests Antony Mariappa, and other officials.
