Mumbai, Mar 27: Maharashtra Government will take necessary steps to prevent flamingo poaching across the state, State Forest Minister Babanrao Pachpute told the Legislative Council today. He said the state is concerned about the increase in number of flamingo poaching cases and strict action will be taken against those held in this connection. Mr Pachpute said that the bird, which migrates in the month of June in the state, will be protected.

He said every year the Forest Department holds meeting in this connection and forest security guards have been deputed for 24 hrs at places where cases of poaching were reported earlier or are likely to take place. The issue was raised by Sanjay Dutt (Cong), who wanted to know what action was being taken against those held for poaching the bird.

Replying to the question, the Forest Minister said police had arrested three persons in the recent flamingo poaching case at Uran near Navi Mumbai, but they were later granted bail by the court while the investigation was still going on.

Sena member Parshuram Upekar also raised the same issue, to which Mr Pachpute said that the state is taking action against the culprits but if the members have any knowledge about the same they can also inform the government and a quick action can be taken.

UNI