Environmental Sena Demands Release Of Deer Allegedly Kept Captive In Pratapgarh

Environmental Sena has demanded the release and proper rehabilitation of a deer that was allegedly kept in captivity for a long time after being found injured several years ago in the Lalganj forest area of Pratapgarh.

The organisation has alleged negligence on the part of the Forest Department and has sought the immediate shifting of the deer to an appropriate protection centre. The matter relates to a deer that, according to the organisation, was found in an injured condition in the Lalganj forest area many years ago. Even after its treatment, it was not released back into its natural habitat.

Ajay Krantikari, chief of Environmental Sena and a volunteer of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, Government of India, said the deer has been kept in a room for a long time in the name of treatment. He said that after getting information about the matter, he checked on the condition of the deer several times and also spoke to the concerned officials of the Forest Department.

According to Ajay Krantikari, the officials posted at that time had cited the deer’s treatment and said it was being kept under the supervision of the Forest Department. He said the matter was also raised at the state level, but no effective action has been taken so far.

Environmental Sena workers are angry over the deer being kept confined for such a long period. Ajay Krantikari said that provisions related to wildlife protection should be followed in cases where any wild animal is kept away from its natural habitat for a long time.

He has demanded that the Forest Department review the current condition of the deer and either shift it to a suitable wildlife protection centre or zoo, or take action for its rehabilitation in its natural habitat as per rules.

Ajay Krantikari also said that he will soon meet the District Magistrate of Pratapgarh and demand appropriate action in the matter.