Government promises zero tolerance of wildlife trade

MUMBAI: The city observed the World Environment Day on Sunday by promoting cycling, beach-cleaning and protection of wildlife species.

MUMBAI: The city observed the World Environment Day on Sunday by promoting cycling, beach-cleaning and protection of wildlife species.

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Prakash Javadekar, the Union environment minister, who was at a function organised at Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), said a fence will be made around the forest to protect it from encroachers.

Confiscated wildlife articles such as rat snake skin, cobra skin, organ pipe coral and sea shells were set ablaze by Javadekar t o mark t he occasion.

“The theme for this years’ environment day is zero tolerance for illegal wildlife trade that encourages us to celebrate various species and safeguarding them for future generations. Hence, we should all promise to stop buying any kind of animal-based products,” he added.

The secretary for forests, Vikas Kharge, spoke briefly about the future plan. “We will be undertaking plantation of two crore trees on July 1 with the help of students, officials and residents of the area. This will further create awareness,” he said.

A short eight-minute documentary on human-leopard conflict named, “Living with Leopards-SGNP, Mumbai experience” was also released during the event. A street-play was also organised.