Airgun Surrender Drive conducted at the Calicut Gram Panchayat

Port Blair, June 18: Under the “Udhne Do Humein” initiative which was jointly launched by the Andaman Avians Club, Shahidon Ki Awaz and the Department of Environment & Forest last, an Airgun surrender drive was conducted at the Calicut Gram Panchayat, South Andaman. Air guns are a big threat to the birds of Islands. Recently many reports of illegal hunting were reported from many corners of the Islands. So an initiative like this was a need of an hour.
This is one of the first Airgun surrender drives conducted by a Pradhan in the Andaman Islands. Under the leadership of Pradhan Gram Panchayat Calicut Mr. T.Yaghambaram 5 air guns were surrendered today by volunteers from the Calicut village to the Forest dept.
Mr. T.Yaghambaram has also committed his full support to this initiative to make his village the first airgun free village of the Islands. The Divisional Forest Officer Mr. A.K.Paul and Deputy Conservator of Forest (Wildlife, SA) Mr. Sandeep Behera were also present during this event. Mr. Sandeep Behera, DCF Wildlife (SA) also briefed the PRIs and the residents about the upcoming Pakshi Mitra initiative by the Forest Department. He also appealed to the general public to support the initiative as their moral and social responsibility. Mr. Diptendu Das Gupta, President, Shahidon Ki Awaz addressed the public and appreciated the volunteers for the surrender and setting an example to the society. All the volunteers who surrendered their guns were appreciated with memento and certificates.
An oath taking ceremony followed by vote of thanks was given by Mr. Arun Singh, President, and Andaman Avians Club. The Udhne Do Humein initiative was launched last week and was also highlighted and the initiative was also appreciated and encouraged by Member of Parliament Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma during the world environment day celebration.