After Cauvery, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu lock horns over Japanese quail

The seizure of 90 Japanese quail in the city followed by the arrest of two persons in this connection was just a teaser; the CID forest cell is now leaving no stone unturned to end the trade of these mid-sized birds in the city and border areas.

They are now checking eateries, including stalls and dhabas, to stop the illegal trade, especially during year-end, when demand for this exotic meat is on the rise. The forest cell has also written to the conservator in Tamil Nadu seeking clarification on how the permission for trade was granted.

Speaking to DNA, additional director general of police (forests) KSN Chikkerur said the accused — Naseer Ahmed and Babu alias Rahmat Ulla — on arrest, showed a letter which was signed by the conservator from Tamil Nadu permitting them to trade in quail and its products.

“Following this, we wrote a letter to the officials asking how the permission was granted when Japanese quail are listed under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972,” he said.

The letter states, “….Japanese quail are not safely separable from either Rail Quail or Common Quail. Furthermore, your attention is drawn to Section 61 sub-class (1) (3) of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 which clearly states ‘the central government may, if it is of opinion that it is expedient so to do, by notification, (add or delete any entry to or from any schedule) or transfer any entry from one part of a schedule to another part of the same schedule or from the schedule to another.... Therefore unless proved otherwise, the action of the chief wildlife warden, Tamil Nadu forest department, in issuing license for Japanese quail and quail product appears illegal. Please clarify in this manner how many amendments in the schedule could I have been made without reference to the central government? I personally feel this matter needs your immediate attention and an official discussion.”

Chikkerur added that the ongoing trade needed to stop. Talking about 2007-’08, he said many major shopping malls in the city were involved in selling quail eggs. Once this was stopped, all eggs were withdrawn from the market and an apology was rendered. The same would be done to stop the trade of quail.

“Many have told us that quail are being sold in dhabas, stalls, markets and particularly in Shivaji Nagar. They will be raided. We are not here to harass people, but stop illegal acts. Apart from this, checks are on for the sale of lizard and tortoise meat.”

Additionally, the principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife), Karnataka, has also written to PCCF of Tamil Nadu. Despite repeated attempts to contact the PCCF, Tamil Nadu, he remained unavailable.