Upon receiving information on Tuesday, 6th November that shells of endangered species were being sold at the SARAS Mela at Parade Ground, Dehradun, a team of People for Animals Uttarakhand including Monica Puri, Ram Kapoor, Ujjwal Pachiri, Mahatva Gurung and Puneet Gandhi with Gauri Maulekhi reached the spot and photographed the stalls in question and their contents.By noon the photographs were sent to the Wildlife Institute of India to Dr Siva Kumar, Specialist in Endangered Species for identification. A confirmation report was immediately obtained.They were identified as horned helmet shells (Cassis Cornuta). Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and Truncate Spider Counch (Lambis Truncata) of Schedule 4 of the same act. Keeping these shells, selling them or even handling them is a cognizable and non bailable offense that attracts ten years imprisonment.
The CWW was informed and a team from Rajaji National Park arrived at the spot with Park Warden Mr V.K.Singh, Forester Rakesh Negi and Sri Amrinder who took stern action against the stall owner and the mela organisers. 52 shells were taken into custody by the Rajaji National park Team which will now be sent to the Wildlife Institute of India on 7th November for further identification.One man has been arrested.
Rural Development Dept which organised the fair is being issued a firm warning by PFA to ensure that such crimes are prevented in future and relevant terms and conditions are signed by the participants so that the awareness regarding these extremely endangered species is given due regard.
