‘Make water holes as punishment’ ; orders Junnar judge to offenders

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Forest department’s unique thought process wins appreciation Two wildlife offenders have been given an innovative punishment of making water holes by the forest department, apart from legal punishments. S A Muluk, judicial magistrate first class (JMFC), Ghodegaon in Ambegaon Taluka came up with the environment-friendly punishments.

As per the information received from the office of Deputy Conservator of Forest, Junnar Division, SA Muluk, Judicial Magistrate First Class Ghodegaon court in Pune has imposed a fine of Rs.10,000/- on an offender named Vijay Gabhale in a wildlife crime case of peafowl hunting. The offender has been asked to prepare 2 waterholes for wild animals. In another case of forest fire, offender Dattatraya Kokane has been asked to make 2 waterholes for wild animals in Uglewadi forest in Ambegaon tehsil in Pune district. The offenders have to spend their money for making these water holes.

“The environment-friendly punishment was appreciated by people. Generally in wildlife crime cases, the allegations are not proven. Most of the accused are released without serving any punishment,” said Amol Satpute, Deputy Conservator of Forest, Junnar.

Leopards are found in large numbers at Junnar while herbivorous animals are also found.

Rahul Patil, Deputy Conservator of Forest, Pune said, “It is a very good punishment by JMFC and in future, also such punishments should be given to offenders.”