Forest dept rescues 50 parakeets, seven tortoises

Vadodara: The forest department has started a drive to rescue parakeets that are often kept in cages by citizens. Over the last 15 days, the department has rescued over

50 parakeets

apart from seven star tortoises from different areas of the city. Forest officials said that they will continue with their drive in the coming days.

“People often keep parakeets in cage as a good omen. But caging birds protected under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 is banned. Those caught are penalised. So if any citizen has kept any such bird in cage then he or she should contact the forest department and hand it over,” said Nidhi Dave, range forest officer. She said that the parakeets were rescued from Karelibaug, Waghodia Road, Ajwa Road, Manjalpur, Bajwada, Gorwa and Subhanpura area.