Chiriyakhana Suraksha Mancha protests against 'privatization' of State Zoo in Guwahati

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The Chiriyakhana Suraksha Mancha (CSM) on Sunday staged a protest at the Assam State Zoo-cum-Botanical Garden against the government's move to privatize the State Zoo.

The CSM slammed the government for 'secretly' exporting two panthers to the Ambani Zoo.

CSM general secretary Rajkumar Baishya said, "The export of two black panthers, a Deo-hah, and a Pygmy hog to the Ambani Zoo is illegal. Animals from a State Zoo cannot be exchanged with a private Zoo."

Baishya alleged that the Assam State Zoo was "privatized" by the BJP-led government on August 14, 2020 and was "sold" to Mukesh Ambani.

"The BJP government is not making the news public for the sake of votes. Due to the privatization, all the animals will become luxurious goods," he stated.

Further, the CSM alleged that the State Zoo authority sell the snakes which are rescued from other places in the northeastern region.

"Last year on October 11, bodies of snakes and other reptiles were found in the residence of Dr. Jayaditya Purkayastha who was related with the construction of snake shelters and other works at the Zoo," Baishya pointed out.

"The number of deer in the Zoo is also decreasing. Secretly, the Zoo authority has transported deer to the other parts of the country," said Baishya.

The CSM demanded the government to bring back the two black panthers from the Ambani Zoo. It also demanded a high-level investigation for the death of numerous animals and sudden disappearance of more than 800 deer in the State Zoo.

Some of the organizations that supported the CSM in their protest are — Footapath Vendors' Association (FVA), Anchalik Gana Morcha, Communist Party of India, and the Asom Jatiya Parishad.

Also read: Assam State Zoo-cum Botanical Garden reopens for visitors

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