Chirag Gupta
Patna: The Principal Secretary of the Department of Animal and Fisheries Resources has directed the Superintendent of Police to take immediate measures to prevent potential animal cruelty at the Gadhimai Mela in Nepal. He emphasised setting up check-posts and maintaining strict surveillance to curb illegal animal smuggling across border districts.
Alokparna Sengupta, Managing Director of Humane Society International/India, welcomed the directive, highlighting the organization’s dedication to assisting law enforcement efforts. She stated, “We will actively collaborate with police, district authorities, and the Sashastra Seema Bal to ensure animals are not transported across the border for sacrifice. We appeal to the public to respect the law and refrain from taking animals to Gadhimai.”
The directive comes as part of the Bihar government’s commitment to enforcing animal protection laws and adhering to the Supreme Court’s directions. Gauri Mulekhi, Trustee of People for Animals, applauded the government’s decisive action, describing it as a crucial step toward ending the cruel practice of animal sacrifice at Gadhimai. She urged district administrations to implement these orders effectively and ensure strict compliance.
The Gadhimai Mela, held every five years in Nepal, has drawn significant attention for its large-scale animal sacrifices. The Bihar government’s measures aim to mitigate animal cruelty and prevent illegal activities along the Nepal-India border, setting a precedent for humane practices.
