The repair work of cages at Karnala Bird Sanctuary for rescued birds and animals during monsoons seems to be moving at an extremely slow pace
The plan for a rehabilitation centre for rescued birds in Karnala seems to be moving at a snail’s pace. The Thane Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (TSPCA) along with Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAWW) and Forest Department (FD) had decided to repair three cages at Karnala Bird Sanctuary to create a temporary set-up for birds and animals during monsoons. However, while the rains have already arrived in the city, the repair work is taking an extremely slow process.
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mid-day had earlier reported that Karnala was chosen as a temporary rescue centre to fulfil the requirement of space to keep rescued birds
The TSPCA had planned to repair the cages at the sanctuary for recovering birds that do not require observation, making space for critical cases in their hospital. The FD had begun repairs on May 20, claiming that the work will be completed before the arrival of monsoons. However, within 15 days it hit a roadblock due to lack of funds.
The conservator of forest approached TSPCA for R1 lakh and it was decided that R50,000 will be provided as first instalment and the remaining funds will be provided after the completion of repair work. (mid-day has copy of both letters)
“Karnala was chosen as a probable rescue centre as Katraj (in Pune) is too far off and has no space to accommodate more wildlife. During monsoons, there will be many cases of injured birds, and we have faced space constraints previously as well,” informed Debashish Majumdar, vice-president of TSPCA, adding, “Despite providing full cooperation, the repair work is not moving at adequate speed.
We handed over the money within three days after we received the letter of request from them. The forest department now says that the Gram Panchayat of the area will also have to be taken into confidence, which we weren’t informed about before.” Moreover, the official in charge of the repair work was recently transferred and the work has now been handed over to an officer from another department, which seems to have slowed the pace of repair work.
The other side
Speaking to mid-day, Suresh Thorat, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, said, “There are many factors in this scenario. The transfer of the officer who was in charge of this work has not affected the work in progress. Rains might create a hindrance but we will try to complete the repair work as soon as possible.”
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