Maharashtra to protect flamingos

MUMBAI: Concerned over the increase in number of flamingo poaching cases in Maharashtra, the state government today said it will take preventive measures to save the migratory birds.

Forest Minister Babanrao Pachpute informed the Legislative Council during question hour that every June, the department holds a meeting and identifies the locations of the flamingos and a guard is assigned for 24 hours to the place to report about poaching.

He assured the House that action will be taken in cases of poaching and also ask the House members to report the cases.

The issue of flamingo and seagull poaching in Konkan was raised by Congress member Sanjay Dutt. He asked if any action has been taken so far.

A similar incident at Uran, Navi Mumbai was mentioned by Shiv Sena MLC Parshuram Uparkar.

In reply Pachpute said three accused were arrested in Uran incident and probe is on.