Haryana becomes first state to issue advisory to protect Exotic Migratory Birds

In a move to protect and preserve exotic migratory species of birds like geese, herons, storks, cranes and swans, Haryana recently issued an advisory, asking fisheries officers to ensure that no fish farmer uses bird nets.
Haryana is the first state to issue this advisory. It is aimed at protecting and preserving exotic migratory birds that visit Haryana during winters.

Why this advisory is issued ?

• The advisory had been issued following an e-mail by Naresh Kadiyan of the Scouts and Guides for Birds and Animals.
• Fish farmers used bird nets to prevent birds from eating fish from water bodies though it was against rules and hampered the food chain of animals.
• Bird nets made of plastic ropes were very perilous for birds and the birds got entangled in the nets and reflection thereof scared them away.
• Naresh Kadiyan mentioned five freedoms of birds — freedom from hunger and thirst, freedom from discomfort, freedom from pain, injury and disease, freedom to express normal behaviour and freedom from fear and distress.

What will be outcome of Advisory ?

• According to the advisory issued under Section 3 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, fisheries officers could take action immediately in case of violation.
• Officers concerned should issue directions in their districts to discontinue activities harmful, unfavourable and dangerous for flora and fauna.
• Keeping in view the food chain, there will be no restrictions for exotic species for birds to hunt their food, from now on.

Background :

• OIPA(International Organization for Animal Protection) India played a crucial role in the adoption of this advisory.
• OIPA International is truly grateful for the hard work that its representative in India Naresh Kadyan is carrying out in the animal protection regulatory field in his country.

Several other measures needed to protect exotic migratory species of birds :

• OIPA stated that these measures mark a significant success, however, that is still not enough.OIPA India asks for further improvement of migratory birds’ protection legislation. More specifically, OIPA demanded:
• Introduction of a Migratory Birds Treaty Act;
• Protection cover under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 for born & brought up in India but look like exotic species as per their shape and size;
• Restoration of five freedoms of migratory birds;
• Animal Welfare Board of India should issue advisory for educational purpose along with regulation, to safeguard the five freedoms of migratory birds.

Another Initiative of OIPA India in Haryana :

• On the complaint of OIPA India, The ADC-cum-Regional Transport Authority (RTA), Mewat, Haryana has ordered cancellation of registration of a truck used in illegal trafficking of cattle.
• The action was taken after the vehicle, registered to carry only commodities and not animals, was caught in illegal activity for the third time.
• This is a great job done by the RTA, Nuh at Mewat, since the relevant legal provisions were invoked to send a strong message to those involved in illegal cattle trafficking.

About OIPA(International Organization for Animal Protection) India :

OIPA India is the “Registered Organizations working for the welfare of the animals, especially prevention of infliction of unnecessary cruelty upon them and to protect the flora and fauna of the country, so as to maintain ecological balance”.

By: Harman Sandhu