Why are forest officials in touch with Vantara staff?: Eshwar Khandre questions PCCF

Hubballi: Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre has written a note to Principal Chief Conservator of Forests seeking information related to Karnataka forest officials who have visited Vantara, a wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation center, owned by Anant Ambani at Jamnagar, Gujarat.

In the note, the minister asked the PCCF to reply within seven days the purposes for which the forest officials and wildlife veterinarians visited and stayed at the privately owned centre.

He also sought the reason as to why several senior officials and veterinarians are in constant touch with the staff of Vantara.

“Who gave the forest department personnel permission to visit Vantara and what was the purpose of the visit?,” The minister asked in the note.

He also instructed that henceforth all the visits of forest officials to Vantara or any other private zoos should be approved by the forest minister.

Speaking to DH, PCCF (Wildlife) Kumar Pushkar said he has forwarded the note to all the units and has sought their replies. “Will provide the details to minister in seven days,” he said.