Strict Action Against Those Who Trap Indian Rollers: Forest Department

Forest Department officials have been directed to take strict action against those who trap and display Indian rollers during the Dasara festivities. Forest Force Head Vinay Kumar held a meeting with forest officials and representatives of voluntary organisations at Aranya Bhavan on Monday to discuss the conservation of Indian rollers and measures to regulate the sale of Chinese manja. He said the Indian roller has a distinct identity and is known for taking food while in flight. Keeping the birds in cages can prevent them from feeding and may put their lives at risk. He said 28 Indian rollers trapped during last year’s Dasara celebrations were seized and released. He also urged Endowments Department officials to ensure that the birds are not trapped during the festivities and called for wider public awareness involving officials, elected representatives and leaders.

The meeting also focused on monitoring the sale of Chinese manja, which is reportedly being brought in from other states. Officials noted that the product poses a danger to both birds and people and stressed the need to curb its sale. Vinay Kumar said the department had received information about Chinese manja being sold through some e-commerce platforms. In view of the National Green Tribunal directions, he said such platforms would be monitored and notices would be issued to concerned entities under the Wildlife Protection Act. The meeting decided that the Forest Department, other government departments and voluntary organisations should work together to protect Indian rollers. Senior forest officials Priyanka Varghese, S.J. Asha, Kshitija and C.F. Prasad, along with representatives of Deccan Birders, HYTIOS, AWCS and People for Animals, attended the meeting.