Worried over the lukewarm response to the animal adoption scheme run by Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), forest department officials have not only begun approaching corporates and celebrities, but they are also chalking out ways to incentivise the scheme for generating interest of prospective adopters.
Speaking to DNA, Chief Conservator of Forest (CCF) and Field Director of SGNP, Anwar Ahmed said he has studied the whole scheme in detail and found out that despite being active since 2014, the scheme was not popularised. He also said that those who knew about it often felt a little let down as there was no incentive for them in it.
According to the CCF, they have now decided to tackle both issues. They started with writing to corporates informing them about the scheme and how it will benefit in conservation. "I am writing to well-known corporates and explaining this scheme to them. Apart from this, we also plan to put up a creative display close to the gates informing how people can adopt captive animals at SGNP," said Anwar.
He also informed that during a discussion with PCCF (Head of Forest Force) Shree Bhagwan they felt that there is a need to provide incentives for those adopting the animals. "Currently there are no financial benefits for those adopting the animals, but we are working out on a model under which those adopting animals can get income tax benefits. However, it is still under consideration," Anwar said.
In 2014, the State Government had passed a resolution to allow adoption of captive animals at SGNP to help in increase public interest in wildlife and help cover the risising cost of animal maintenance. Soon after the scheme started, nine animals including a tiger, two rusty spotted cats, a lion and a leopard were adopted. However, just five adoptions took place in 2015. The number further declined to only three in 2016. The lone adoption in 2017 was when Union minister Ramdas Athawale adopted Bheema the leopard.
At the moment there are 90 animals for adoption, which includes seven tigers, three lions, six rusty spotted cats, 14 leopards, 42 spotted deer, 16 four-horned antelopes and two nilgais.
Adoption Costs
Lion: Rs 3.0 lakhs
Tiger: 3.10 lakhs
Leopard: 1.20 lakhs
Rusty Spotted Cats: 50,000
Spotted Deer: 20,000
Nilgai- 30,000
...& ANALYSIS
Approaching corporates and celebrities is a step in the right direction if SGNP wants its animal adoption plans to be successful. The scheme will help in taking care of the recurring expense of maintaining captive animals. There needs to be a regular follow up with people who show interest in adoption. Acknowledging such adopters on government's social media handles may result in more takers.
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