73 Animals out of 1277 died at Assam State Zoo Since Past One Year: Forest Minister

Guwahati: Assam Forest Minister, Parimal Suklabaidya in a reply to the question of West Guwahati legislator Ramendra Narayan Kalita during the 14th Autumn Session of Assam Legislative Assembly on Thursday revealed that at least 73 animals out of 1277 have died in Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden since September 1, 2017 to August 31, 2018.

Out of the 73 deceased animals, 50 were mammals, 22 were birds and one reptile.

The present status of the animal population at State Botanical Garden is around 1204. The figure includes 617 mammals, 472 birds and 115 reptiles. It is to be noted that since last September 1, 2017, the total population of the animals- 116 mammals, 09 birds and 23 reptiles which include outside species which are also being bought during the period.

Also, Forest Minister reveals that since the BJP Government has come to the power from the year 2016, at least 105 animals have lost their lives which is due to natural causes such as weakness or old age, diseases and few of them died while fighting with each other.

The total animals which died during the BJP regime from May 2016 to August 31, 2018 includes 73 mammals, 30 birds, 02 reptiles.

It may be mentioned that out of 105 animals- 31 died due to old age, 45 died due to several diseases and 29 died while fighting with each other.

Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) legislator, Ramendra Narayan Kalita also claimed for an update to the commitment made by the Minister in the last assembly session for conducting an enquiry on the massive anomalies and scandal at the Assam State Zoo, to which the Forest Minister replied that an enquiry committee has been formed by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Wildlife & Chief Wildlife Warden, Assam in this regard. The investigation is under process, informed Forest Minister further.