Senapati, Sept 19: The District Magistrate of Senapati has issued a strict order banning the hunting, catching, killing, and selling of Amur Falcons in the district with immediate effect. This action follows a report by the Divisional Forest Officer, Senapati, highlighting rampant hunting of wildlife, including the Amur Falcon, in the area.
The Amur Falcon, a migratory bird protected under Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, arrives in Senapati District from the last week of September and stays until mid-December. This period is critical in their life cycle. The Act prohibits hunting, sales, and trade of these birds, with violators facing up to three years of imprisonment, a fine of up to ₹25,000, or both.
The order mandates village authorities to enforce the ban, with any violations subject to legal action by the SDO/SDM, Police, and Forest Department. This directive is effective immediately and will remain in force until further notice.
The District Magistrate’s order emphasizes the importance of protecting the Amur Falcons during their stay in Senapati and urges strict compliance across the district.