Bhubaneswar: The Forest officers in Odisha have been directed to arrest the persons taking selfies with wild animals to prevent recurrence of such instances.
In a letter to Divisional Forest Officers, Deputy Director, Similipal north/south (Wildlife) and Deputy Director of Nandankanan Zoo, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and the Chief Wildlife Warden of Odisha said it has been found that people take photographs/selfies with scheduled wild animals and post those on social media.
It not only disturbs the animals but also violates the provisions of Sections 9 and 2 (16) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Besides, pictures and selfies with dead wild animals or wild animal body parts are also being posted on social media platforms. It also amounts to violation of Sections 39 (I) (a), 39 (2) and (3) of the Act. As per the Act, such violation is liable to imprisonment for upto 7 years, the letter said.
Directing the Forest officials to promote awareness among people to refrain from such activities, the PCCF said helpline numbers may be displayed at prominent places and on social media to facilitate sharing of information about violation of the Act.
“Everybody should abide by the laws and those keen to click pictures should take permission from forest officials. But unscrupulous elements trying to gain fame by violating the laws should be taken to task. You need to arrest such persons to set an example for others,” the PCCF said.
