Protect Palapitta, crack down on Chinese manja sales: PCCF

The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Vinay Kumar, has directed officials to prevent the caging of Indian Rollers (Palapitta) and other wildlife for display at Durga pandals and ensure compliance at temples. He also called for stringent action against the sale and use of synthetic or Chinese manja.

Hyderabad: Calling for protection of Indian Rollers (Palapitta) and other wildlife, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Vinay Kumar directed officials to take measures to prevent Indian Rollers from being kept in cages for display at Durga pandals. He instructed the Endowments department officials to ensure that directions were implemented at all temples.

During a review meeting held with senior officials of various departments here on Friday, Kumar instructed officials to take stringent measures, including cancelling shop licences, to curb the sale and use of synthetic manja.

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As synthetic manja is being supplied from other States, particularly Rajasthan and Gujarat, he directed officials to intensify surveillance on supplies originating from these States. He asked the Police department to set up special surveillance to prevent the sale of Chinese manja through online platforms.

He also asked officials to put up posters at all public places, including bus stations, railway stations, markets and other crowded locations, to create public awareness about the ban on synthetic manja. Kumar stated that the School Education department should create awareness among students and their parents about the dangers posed by the use of Chinese manja to people and birds.

Bus drivers and conductors were advised to inform the Forest department helpline if they detected the illegal transportation of synthetic manja or the transportation of Indian Rollers and other wildlife on buses.