Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) West Region Circular

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Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) West Region, Near Old MHB Colony, L.T.Road, Borivali (West), Mumbai – 400 091.

 

Date : 28^th October 2013

 

CIRCULAR

 

By an Order bearing No. Desk 23(4)/CNo. 494/1603 dated 26^th July 2013, the Chief Wildlife Warden has delegated various power inter alia Section 42 and 43 (2) to the office of the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife). It is in keeping with this order that this office is passing the following Circular :

 

The Elephant is listed at S. No. 12 – B in Schedule – 1 of The Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act 2002. The is often brought within the city limits of Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane. These elephants are brought in to : give joy ride, beg; entertain Guests at wedding; act in serials and movies; bless and entertain guests at functions at temples and political rallies. All of the activities carried out by the Elephant are in contravention with the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

 

Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane are densely populated urban areas. Elephants are wild animals and are ill suited to these cities. Given the external conditions of a densely populated urban environment elephants in cities can get easily agitated. As a result of this, elephants can attack human beings. This is a direct risk to public safety and life.

 

Section 42 of the Wildlife Act provides for the issuance of a certificate of ownership to persons who are in lawful possessions of, inter alia, wild animals. Under the prevision to section 42, prior to issuing a certificate of ownership, it is mandatory to ensure that the applicant has adequate facilities for housing, maintenance and upkeep for the animal. Under Section 43 (2), when a person transfers an animal listed in any of the Schedules of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 from the state in which it resides to another state he must report the transfer to the Chief Wildlife Warden. It is  the opinion of this office, that no elephant owner can provide an elephant adequate facility for housing, maintenance and upkeep of these animals within the city limits of Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane.

 

Therefore, urban areas are not suitable for keeping of elephants. As a consequence, it is hereby declare that the presence of the Elephants in the area falling in the areas falling within the city limits of Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane is prohibited henceforth.

 

(Suresh Thorat)

Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests,

(Wildlife) West Region

Copy to all concerned.