Target: Sandeep Sundriyal, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) & Chief Wildlife Warden, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Goal: Seek maximum lawful penalties against anyone who harmed or trafficked flood-displaced wildlife, and secure urgent protection for surviving animals.
Torrential floods reportedly tore through a critical forest landscape, leaving carcasses of rhinos, bison, deer, and wild boars in silted riverbeds and adjoining terrain. One adult male rhino was recovered downstream across an international border. Officials also fear more bodies may lie buried under thick deposits where patrol routes remain blocked.
Displaced animals have strayed into nearby localities. A rhino roamed residential streets, with two people badly injured before a tranquiliser team secured a rescue. Separate reports say wild boars killed two people during this volatile period. Amid continuing search operations, environmental groups call for an immediate wildlife census and a transparent accounting of losses.
Disaster chaos can invite opportunistic crime. In such windows, illegal capture, harassment, and trafficking have historically surged. Accountability must be certain. This petition urges vigorous investigation and prosecution of any individuals who exploited the floods by harming or trading displaced wildlife, alongside rapid census work, intensified anti-poaching patrols, and public guidance that keeps communities safe while survivors receive aid.
PETITION LETTER:
Chief Wildlife Warden Sundriyal,
Reports describe catastrophic flooding that has left rhino, bison, deer, and wild boar carcasses across a vital ecosystem, with one rhino recovered far downstream. Displaced wildlife have entered settlements, and responders have mounted rescues while patrols face silt-choked routes.
We respectfully urge your office to pursue every appropriate wildlife-crime charge supported by evidence against any individuals who harassed, injured, captured, trafficked, or obstructed rescue of flood-displaced animals. Please seek maximum lawful penalties at disposition, along with seizure of contraband and lifetime prohibitions where statutes allow.
We further ask for a rapid, post-flood census, enhanced anti-poaching deployments during recovery, and clear public advisories that reduce conflict while aiding rescues. Transparent reporting of casualties and enforcement actions will deter opportunists and reassure communities. Justice for the animals lost, and safety for those that survived, demand swift and visible action.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Darren Swim
