Pune: 197.7 kg of Coral Stones and Macaws Seized in Viman Nagar Raids Amid Rising Illegal Wildlife Trade
Viman Nagar, 9th October 2024: Pune’s forest department confiscated 197.7 kg of coral stones and two macaws during a series of 11 raids on Monday, targeting pet stores and private homes in response to growing concerns over illegal wildlife trafficking in the city. The raids come against the backdrop of an alarming increase in the illicit trade of protected species, with Pune emerging as a key hub for these operations.
According to officials, the city is connected to major trade routes leading to Mumbai, Chennai, and the Middle East, which facilitate the smuggling of endangered species. A similar crackdown in 2023 saw raids at over 16 locations suspected of harboring animals protected under the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) of 1972.
During Monday’s operation, coral stones that fall under Schedule I of the WPA, as well as two macaws listed under Schedule IV, were seized from Blessings Aquarium in Viman Nagar, Pune. Coral, which is composed of calcium carbonate and plays a crucial role in marine ecosystems, is illegal to trade, transport, or possess due to its protected status. However, it is often trafficked and sold illegally for use in aquariums and decorative purposes.
The accused Amlan Asim Biswas, was presented before a judicial magistrate on Monday and has been remanded to custody until October 20.
Range Forest Officer Suresh Varak, the investigating officer for the case, said, “We are intensifying our investigations into all these activities and closely monitoring trade routes, particularly in the case of the coral stones. If they originated from a protected area, the violation would be even more severe.”
The action was taken under the guidance of Chief Conservator of Forests, NR Pravin, DCF Mahadev Mohite and ACF Atul Jenak. The team included Range Forest Officer Suresh Varak, Forest Circle Officer VJ Babar, Forest Range Officer Pramod Raskar, as well as Forest Guards Anil Rathod, Ankush Kachare, Kaluram Kad, Omkar Gund, Ramesh Shinde and forest personnel.
