The Bangalore Turf Club, which is under notice from several government agencies to vacate the existing premises at the expiry of the lease on December 31, 2009, has received an unexpected helping hand in the form of a letter from the secretary of the environment and forest department.
D Rajashekar, the department secretary said in his letter to the public water works (PWD) department and the principal secretary of the state finance department that the proposed relocation of the over 1,000 horses sheltered at BTC has to be done as per the provisions of the Animal Protection Act. He brought to the notice of the government the letter written by BESCOM on September 6, 2008, to the turf club about withdrawing power facility at the end of the lease period.
The letter read: “Unlike many other animals, the thoroughbreds require special amenities and facilities like lighting, power, water, training tracks, lunging rings, bund schools, equine swimming pools and 24-hour fully-equipped equine hospital in order to thrive and perform the job of racing. The governmental agencies are duty-bound to provide facilities for these thoroughbreds at the existing premises so as to conform to the provisions of the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and the broad vision of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.’’ All these facilities should not be disturbed till such time suitable alternative has been found, the letter added.
The Government of Karnataka is reportedly considering giving 95 acres of land to Bangalore Turf Club at Chikkajala and give one year’s extension to build the new infrastructure.
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