Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary to be handed over to Forest dept

Aditya Thackeray, Minister for Environment, Maharashtra state was in Pune today to see the Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary located on Nagar road. He said assured that the land of Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary owned by Revenue department of State government shall be transferred to the Forest department. Efforts to expedite this matter shall be taken said Aditya Thackeray.

He further said that steps should be taken to conserve the birds found in this sanctuary. Neelam Gorhe, MLA Chetan Tupe, Sachin Ahir, Pune District Collector Dr Rajesh Deshmukh, PMC Commissioner Vikram Kumar, Police Commissioner Amitabh Gupta, Deputy Conservator of Forests Pune Rahul Patil, additional commissioner Dr Kunal Khemnar were also present.

Thackeray further said that the state government has taken up forest conservation initiatives. It is important that birds and animals get their natural habitat. Also those found encroaching upon on the bird sanctuary shall be fined strictly. Police should patrol such sensitive areas and also install CCTV to keep an eye on such encroachers.

Thackeray informed that citizens, NGO’s and Pune Municipal Corporation should conduct clean up drives and ensure that the bird sanctuary remains clean and garbage free. Tree plantations should be done to increase the green cover of the area. Citizens of Pune are active and alert and I am hoping that Pune becomes carbon neutral by 2030. Pune Municipal Corporation Commissioner Vikram Kumar briefed about the work being done at the bird sanctuary.