This is an archive article published on June 5, 2024
2 held for capturing, displaying protected animals at Dadar zoo
Top CZA officials said that a probe had been launched into the operations of the facility, which had neither approached the CZA nor received any recognition from it.
Written by Nayonika Bose
Mumbai | Updated: June 5, 2024 01:44 PM IST
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Following an amendment in 2023, exotic animals are also protected under the Wildlife Protection Act under appendix 1, 2 and 3 of the Act’s Schedule IV.. (Express Archives)
Three days after seven protected and exotic animals were seized from Dadar’s Marine Aqua Zoo, forest department officials on Monday arrested two accused, including the owner as well as the manager at the Dadar facility for possessing, trading and illegally displaying animals protected under the Wildlife Protection Act (1972).
Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF) Sonal Valvi told The Indian Express, “Following our investigation, we have booked an offence against the two accused — Aman Abdul Sattar Khan, the manager and Yuvraj Nandkumar Moghe, the owner — for illegal possesion, display and trade displaying the animals which are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act’s (1972) schedule I and IV. We have arrested the two accused who will be produced in the court tomorrow (Tuesday).”
Senior officials from the forest department said that an FIR has been registered under sections 9, 39, 44, 48, 48 (A), 49 and 51 of the Wildlife Protection Act (1972). The arrest comes days after The Indian Express reported that the zoo, which has no recognition from the Central Zoo Authority(CZA), had been operating as a commercial facility. Despite their claims, in reply to an RTI query filed by The Indian Express, the CZA — the country’s nodal agency for issuing permissions and maintaining oversight of zoos — said that no permission had been issued for operations to the Dadar zoo.
Top CZA officials said that a probe had been launched into the operations of the facility, which had neither approached the CZA nor received any recognition from it. On May 30, a team of forest officials inspected the facility and seized seven protected and exotic animals, including two Argentinian black and white Tegu, one ball python, one African ball python, one soft shell turtle, one common snapping turtle and one cuckoo, after the staff failed to furnish necessary documents.
Following an amendment in 2023, exotic animals are also protected under the Wildlife Protection Act under appendix 1, 2 and 3 of the Act’s Schedule IV. According to officials, the case has been registered under sections 9 (prohibition of hunting), 39 (wildlife etc to be government property), 44 (dealings in trophy and animal articles without license), 48 (purchase of animals), 48 (A) (restriction on transportation of wildlife), 49 (purchase of captive animal etc.) and 51 (penalties) of the Wildlife Protection Act (1972). Since the probe, the zoo has closed for visitors with proprietors commencing demolition of structures.
Nayonika Bose is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express’ Mumbai bureau. While in the early stages of her career, her focused reporting on local governance and community welfare already demonstrates clear Expertise and Trustworthiness in covering essential civic issues impacting Mumbai's residents.
Expertise & Authority (E-E-A-T)
Specialized Focus: Nayonika's reporting is dedicated to civic and community issues, providing readers with highly relevant, ground-level information about the functionality and administration of India's largest metropolitan area.
Core Coverage Areas: Her articles highlight a strong focus on the fundamental quality of life and public safety in Mumbai, including:
Civic Infrastructure: Reports on critical failures and initiatives related to public works, such as the recurring problem of unauthorized building collapses in Navi Mumbai, the construction of new infrastructure projects (like the Dahisar-Bhayandar Link Road and the Mahalaxmi cable-stayed bridge), and the maintenance of essential city services (e.g., manhole cover theft).
Urban Governance & Crisis Management: Provides detailed coverage of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) response to major crises, particularly during the monsoon (e.g., heavy rainfall, water cuts, and public health concerns like dengue and malaria) and large-scale public safety incidents (e.g., the hoarding collapse fallout).
Community Welfare & Rights: Reports on key social issues, including the financial aid scheme for persons with disabilities, the struggles of Mumbai's hawkers protesting eviction drives, and the dangers faced by workers due to the continuation of manual scavenging in water tanks.
Cultural & Heritage Reporting: Covers significant community stories, including the restoration of British-era fountains and the history of institutions like the 126-year-old Chinchpokli cemetery, showing a breadth of interest beyond pure administration.
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