Twitter
Advertisement

Protect peacocks, HC tells govt, agencies

The petition claims that a large number of dogs, pigs and monkeys are threatening peacocks, causing them to leave the park and come out on the roads

Latest News
article-main
FacebookTwitterWhatsappLinkedin

The Delhi High court on Wednesday lashed out at the authorities on the sorry state of the peacocks, who roam around helplessly on the streets without food.

A bench of acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Harishankar issued a notice to the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Delhi government, DDA and South Delhi Municipal Corporation directing them to submit a status report in 10 days.

The observation comes on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by a south Delhi resident Smita Kapil, who sought the protection of these birds.

"You have to protect the birds and animals roaming on roads. We have seen peacocks on the roads of Delhi's Lutyens' zone. They are seen without food. Nothing is being done by the authorities," the bench said.

The petition, filed by Sumita Kapil, a resident of South Delhi, claimed that a large number of dogs, pigs and monkeys were threatening the peacocks, causing them to leave the park and come out on the roads.

The plea also said the animals were harming the environment as their excreta makes it difficult for people to breathe or walk in the park. It also sought protection of stray animals by providing them shelter so that they do not harm each other or get hurt.

"The excreta of dogs and pigs are surely not helping in 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan'," the plea said.

While hearing the plea, the court observed that the animals and birds need proper shelter and protection thereby making Forest Department of Delhi one of the respondents.

The PIL, filed through Pooja Swami, also contended that there were over 500 pigs and stray dogs in the Deer Park which have been forcing a restriction on the movement of the national bird. It also said that due to the felling of trees, the peacocks have no where to go which is the reason why they hide in the parks and subsequently are seen on the streets.

"Peacocks get ample food in the monsoon. But is it correct that they are forced by the monkeys and stray dogs on streets," a senior wildlife expert told DNA.

Find your daily dose of news & explainers in your WhatsApp. Stay updated, Stay informed-  Follow DNA on WhatsApp.
Advertisement

Live tv

Advertisement
Advertisement