Bhubaneswar, Mar 16: Attention all visitors to Bhubaneswar! Before you snap a selfie or capture a photograph with a wild animal, whether in captivity or in its natural habitat, it's time to reconsider. Recently, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and the Chief Wildlife Warden of Odisha issued a stern notification emphasizing the detrimental effects of such actions.
Not only does this behavior disrupt the natural life patterns of these creatures, but it also runs afoul of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, specifically Section 9 and Section 2 (16).
Under the above Act, individuals caught taking selfies or photographs with wild animals can face severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to seven years. Moreover, capturing images alongside deceased wild animals or their body parts is a clear violation under Section 39 (I) (a), Section 39 (2), and (3) of the Act as mentioned above.
In response to this concern, the PCCF has issued directives to all Divisional Forest Officers, the Deputy Director of Similipal North/South (Wildlife), and the Deputy Director of Nandankanan Zoo. They are tasked with raising awareness among the public to deter such activities. Those wishing to photograph themselves with wild animals must first obtain permission from Forest officials, as outlined in the communication.
Moreover, the letter urges the display of helpline numbers at prominent locations and on social media platforms to encourage the reporting of wildlife-related issues. However, it firmly warns against individuals seeking notoriety by flouting these laws. Such offenders are to be apprehended and brought to justice, emphasizing the importance of enforcing regulations to safeguard wildlife.
