Gun shots booming in the coastal area of Kochi are worrying wildlife managers.
With the arrest of four youths from Chellanam on Monday for gunning down pond herons, the fears that the coastal area has become the killing field of birds are gaining ground. Wetland birds are falling easy prey to the pellets fired from airguns that can be easily procured from armouries.
There was earlier information that birds were being hunted in the coastal area. The arrest of four youths was the first case for hunting in recent times, said B.N. Nagaraj, Divisional Forest Officer, Malayattoor.
Hunting of birds is an offence under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act and getting involved in such an act may land one in jail. Pond herons, which were hunted near Chellanam, are included in Schedule 4 of the Wildlife Act. The killing of birds included in Schedule 4 of the Act will attract a jail term of up to three years.
The easy availability of airguns is worrying wildlife managers like Mr. Nagaraj. As it does not require any licence or clearance from any authorities for owning an airgun, anyone can walk into an armoury and get a gun of his choice. No one knows how many guns are in use in the district. There should be some system to monitor the sales of such guns and armouries should also exercise discretion while selling airguns, he says.
The department is planning to undertake a campaign in the coastal areas to raise awareness on the need for conserving and protecting the birds. Schools in the district will also be included in the campaign. Students need to be sensitised to the need for conserving the environment and protecting the animals and birds, he said. The Hindu
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