Snares to trap peacocks found on hills near Mann village in Pune

Deputy conservator of forests, Maharashtra, Pune division, Rahul Patil says, we were alerted by residents and have sent the local range forest officer and his staff to monitor the hills

PUNE Regular walkers and visitors were taken aback after they found snares meant to trap peacocks, which are found on hills near Mann–Hinjewadi, last week. They immediately informed the forest department officials who are currently monitoring the situation.

The hunting and killing of the peacock, India’s national bird, is prohibited by law. According to the Indian Forest Act of 1972, those found guilty under this law can be jailed for up to seven years, says activist. (HT PHOTO)

Deputy conservator of forests, Maharashtra, Pune division, Rahul Patil said, “We were alerted by residents and have sent the local range forest officer and his staff to monitor the hills.”

“Last week, while going to fill up the water pots, some regulars from the Hinjewadi area found bird/peacock traps near the water pot on the hills opposite Pawar Public School, Megapolis Hinjewadi phase 3. They have conveyed the message and appealed to concerned residents walking in the area to be vigilant about such traps,” said Asira Lele, activist and tekdi regular.

Shivaji Muke, Maharashtra forest department, said, “There was a census conducted in 2018 -2019 in the eight ranges under the forest division, Pune, where we found 62 peacocks in this region. There might be more now as for the past two years due to Covid-19, we did not undertake census.”

“Peacocks are hunted for their feathers and its meat or even to keep it locked as a prized possession,” he said.

“Peacock oil is considered to be an aphrodisiac too. The hunting and killing of the peacock, India’s national bird, is prohibited by law. According to the Indian Forest Act of 1972, those found guilty under this law can be jailed for up to seven years,” said Lele.

Some tekdi regulars and environmentalists also added that some years ago, such traps were seen on tekdis in the city. “We had seen some traps on the plateau on Law College tekdi some years back and had called the police, who did some patrolling for a few days. These traps are often kept inside the forested area, away from the main paths, so it isn’t easy to spot them,” said Sushma Date, member of the Save Vetal Tekdi.