Sidhu in a spot over stuffed partridge gift

Chandigarh, December 13

Activists have approached the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) against Punjab Local Bodies and Cultural Affairs Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu for allegedly possessing a stuffed black partridge in violation of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

The WCCB is a statutory multi-disciplinary body under the Ministry of Environment and Forests to combat organised wildlife crime.

At a meeting with Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh yesterday, Sidhu had gifted him the stuffed partridge. The CM had, however, told Sidhu he would have to check if it was permissible to keep the bird protected under Schedule IV of the Act.

Refusing to be drawn into a controversy, Sidhu said, “I have gifted it to the CM. Only he can speak on it.”

Haryana-based volunteer Naresh Kadyan has sought an FIR against Sidhu for violating Section 39 of the Act. Ludhiana-based Sandeep Jain sought an investigation. Under the Act, the person possessing the trophy has to disclose about it to the wildlife officials at the border.

Conservationist and writer Vikramjit Singh said, “Procedurally, Sidhu should have first approached the Chief Wildlife Warden and obtained certification.” He, however, said that black partridge was not covered under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

A government functionary  said the CM had already sought information from the Wildlife Department. —TNS