Birds are being killed with air pistols in different parts of the country, the government told parliament while calling the problem “serious” and appropriate action being taken by states against them.

Responding to a question from Mathura MP Hema Malini about whether birds are being culled in the country using air pistols, Environment Minister Ashwini Choubey said his ministry was “aware” of the problem.

The ministry is aware that birds are being slaughtered with air pistols in different parts of the country. Appropriate action under applicable laws is taken by the respective States / Union Territories as such cases are reported, ” Choubey said in his written response on Monday.

Given the seriousness of the problem, the States / Union Territories regularly organize awareness programs on various occasions to raise awareness about bird protection. Bird festivals, nature walks, etc. are also organized to involve young people and the general public who contribute to the protection of wildlife and its habitats, ” he said.

When asked if the government is working on a program to lead a campaign to have airguns surrendered nationwide, Choubey said the ministry is providing financial assistance to states / union territories. as part of the program sponsored by the Center “Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitat”, which also includes public awareness activities on the protection of wildlife, including birds.

“Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Nagaland have launched a public awareness campaign against bird hunting and launched campaigns to hand over airguns on a voluntary basis. As reported by the states, 1,671 air guns have been surrendered in Arunachal Pradesh and 150 air guns in Nagaland, ” he said.

(This story was not edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)