Chinkara Hunting Incidents Prompt Protests and Conservation Concerns   

In a span of just 10 days, two separate incidents of Chinkara hunting have surfaced, igniting a storm of outrage among wildlife conservationists and local communities. The brazen disregard for wildlife laws has prompted citizens to take to the streets in protest, staging demonstrations outside the collectorate and resorting to religious rituals like ‘Yajna’ to demand justice and stricter enforcement of conservation measures

The recent incidents of Chinkara hunting in the Jaisalmer Ramgarh canal area have sparked outrage and prompted swift action from wildlife conservationists and authorities. On Saturday, Mohanlal Kadwasra, Vice President of Shri Jambheshwar Environment and Wildlife Conservation, alerted the Jaisalmer Forest Conservator about the hunting incident near Canal Khala No. 15. The discovery of a dead deer on the scene led to immediate police involvement and deployment of forest department personnel for investigation. Motilal Bhil, Narpatram Meghwal, and Vinod Kumar Bawri have been identified as suspects in the poaching case, and efforts are underway to apprehend them. The police recovered the remains of the Chinkara, including its four limbs and bones, from the site.

The Chinkara, or Indian Gazelle, is crucial for biodiversity conservation due to its role in maintaining ecosystem balance, seed dispersal, and serving as prey for predators, which helps regulate predator populations and maintain ecological balance. Their presence also indicates habitat health and integrity, while their grazing behavior contributes to ecosystem services like soil conservation and water regulation. Chinkaras hold cultural significance and attract ecotourists, supporting local economies. Additionally, conserving Chinkara populations preserves genetic diversity, provides educational and scientific value, and informs conservation strategies for other species. Protecting Chinkaras and their habitats is essential for sustaining biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, and ecological resilience.

In a related case in Nehdai, the Forest Department has taken action against Bariyam Khan and Narayan Khan, sons of Aachar Khan, arresting them for their involvement. Additionally, Beldar Makhane Khan, alleged to be colluding with poachers, has been suspended from duty. Further, in the Ramgarh Chinkara hunting case, Motilal Bhil and Vinod Kumar Bawri have been arrested among the three accused.

The surge in incidents of hunting has incited wildlife enthusiasts to stage protests outside the Collectorate in Jaisalmer. These protests, driven by concerns over the escalating poaching activities, have taken on symbolic gestures, including the performance of Sadbuddhi Yagya, a sacrificial ritual aimed at seeking divine intervention for the protection of wildlife. Additionally, a fast has been initiated in memory of Arjunram Vishnoi, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the urgency for action.

The incidents of Chinkara hunting underscore the pressing need for stricter enforcement of wildlife protection laws and heightened vigilance against poaching activities. Such incidents not only endanger the survival of endangered species but also disrupt the delicate balance of ecosystems and threaten biodiversity. The collective outcry from wildlife enthusiasts and the community at large serves as a reminder of the shared responsibility to safeguard our natural heritage and preserve the integrity of our ecosystems. It is imperative for authorities to address the root causes of poaching, implement effective conservation measures, and foster greater awareness and engagement among the public to combat wildlife crimes and ensure the protection of our wildlife for generations to come.

BY – KASHISH JAIN