(a) whether it is a fact that a large number of birds are shot with air guns in the country and the population of birds is declining rapidly;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government is working on any scheme for running a campaign to get air guns surrendered in entire country; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)
(a) to (d) The Ministry is aware that birds are shot using airguns in different parts of the country. Appropriate action under applicable statutes is taken by the respective States/Union Territories as and when such cases are reported.
Keeping in view of the seriousness of the issue, the States/Union Territories organize regular awareness programmes during various occasions to sensitize people for protection of birds. Bird festivals, nature walks etc are also organized for involving youth and general public which help in protection of wildlife and their habitats. The Ministry provides financial assistance to the States/Union territories under Centrally Sponsored Scheme ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitat’, which also includes activities for awareness generation amongst public for protection of wildlife including birds. The States of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Nagaland have initiated drive for creating public awareness against hunting of birds and launched campaign for surrender for airguns on voluntary basis. As reported by the States, 1671 airguns have been surrendered in Arunachal Pradesh and 150 airguns in Nagaland.
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