Indian Flapshell Turtle and Red Eared Slider Turtle rescued at Bhandup

Nisha Kunju with rescued
Indian Flapshell Turtle

Mumbai | BHANDUP : At Night 12 AM, Plant & Animals Welfare Society - Mumbai (PAWS-Mumbai) Helpline received a call from Mr. Baldev Manek saying a big black turtle is came in front of their bungalow gate at Mini land. Following to the information we have send our Rescue Team to the spot and who had rescued the turtle, it was Indian Flapshell Turtle and later it was released into its natural habitat.

 

It is 3rd turtle which we have found in this 2 week of monsoon, among them 2 were Indian Flapshell Turtle and a Red Eared Slider Turtle said Nisha Kunju, Administrator of PAWS-Mumbai.  

 

Sunish Subramanian with
Red Eared Slider Turtle

She further added Red Eared Slider Turtle is not Indian species. It was found by Mr. Rupesh Thopate, a resident of Bhandup East. Later he inform PAWS-Mumbai. When we taken the custody, the shell of the turtle was totally dry, both the eyes having infection and injures on its body, so it was under care for a month, now it is fit and it can live independently. So we have released it in an artificial pound where there is no native species of turtle is found.

Turtle died due to vehicle hit 
on Eastern Express Highway 

Recently PAWS-Mumbai office received a call at early morning from person stating that he have spotted a Turtle on the divider on Eastern Express Highway near Mulund Airoli Junction. When we reached the spot it was already died as it was hit by a vehicle. So we request to the citizen as its monsoon, while passing through the roads around the green cover area should slow their speed limit as reptiles, snakes, turtles or other living creature may be crossing the road. Areas like Eastern Express Highway, Aarey Colony Road, Film City Road, Palm Beach Road in Navi Mumbai and Road passing through Karnala Bird Sanctuary Panvel, Etc.

 

Indian Flapshell Turtle

The Indian Flapshell Turtle which is found in fresh water body like often stagnant waters of rivers, wells, streams, ponds, lakes, irrigation canals and tanks. Because of  heavy rain the water get over flooded due to which the turtles  or other living creature flowed out, which some time found in drainage, water collected area, on roads and gardens etc. In some part of India it is locally threatened species as it is in high demand for meat, Feng Shui and even used for black magic. The shell of this species is believed to be of medicinal value in both China and India. It is protected species under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and it is endangered species, so PAWS-Mumbai appeal to the citizen not to keep if you found or come across such species illegally sold, it should be immediately report to Forest Department or Animal Welfare Organisation said Sunish Subramanian Kunju, Hony. Animal Welfare Officer and Founder of PAWS-Mumbai.

 

Red Eared Slider Turtle 

The Red Eared Slider Turtle which is also known as Red-Eared Terrapin. It is native species of the  southern United States and northern Mexico, with its range covering diverse habitats. In all over India it is illegally sold in pet shops and which is easily seen in homes which is kept as pet. People bring this turtle when it is very small and keep it in fish tanks, later when it become larger in size, we seen during rainy season people abandon them in water login area said Subramanian.

 

If you witness a threat to any wildlife in your vicinity, do report it to PAWS-Mumbai Team on Helpline 9833480388 / 25968314.

Informer Speak :

"We were shock to see a big black turtle at night in front of our gate. We inform PAWS-Mumbai Team, their volunteers came immediately to rescue it".

- Baldev Manek resident of Bhandup - West

 

"When I found the turtle it was in very bad stage and eyes were infected, due to which it can't possible to eat by itself. So I inform about it to PAWS-Mumbai Helpline, volunteer have came and taken the custody. Now I am very happy to see the turtle got new life and it is been released in safe place".

- Rupesh Thopate resident of Bhandup - East

 

More Photographs

Sunish Subramanian & Nisha Kunju of PAWS-Mumbai with rescued turtles

BEFORE : Rescued Red Eared Slider Turtle was in very bad stage

AFTER : Rescued Red Eared Slider Turtle after a month become healthy & fit to release

 

Indian Flapshell Turtle

PRESS Release Updated by

Nisha Subramanian Kunju 

Administrator - Cum - PRO : PAWS-Mumbai

 

www.pawsmumbai.org 

Dt.30.07

Mumbai based Youth Animal & Environment Activist Nisha Subramanian Kunju have felicitated with the prestigious ‘Karmaveer Puraskar’and Youngest Animal Lover Hitesh Yadav with the “Karmaveer Chakra” by iCONGO REX Conclave in NEW DELHI

NEW DELHI 27-28 February 2014 : The very versatile & spontaneous Nisha Subramanian Kunju & Hitesh Yadav have received an award for their commendable work in the field of social service.

Nisha Kunju (C) youth activist from Mumbai

receiving “Karmaveer Puraskar”from the

hands of Dr. David Dror (L) and

Shri. Sukhbir Singh (R) at New Delhi.

Nisha Subramanian Kunju had be felicitated by the coveted “Karmaveer Puraskar” it’s a Global Award for Social Justice & Citizen Action under the title Dr. Veghese Kurien – One Vision to Make A Difference in our World Karmaveer Puraskar 2013 – 14 and Hitesh Yadav (9 Years) with “Karmaveer Chakra” it’s a medallion for voluntary action instituted in 2009 by iCONGO in association with the UN under title PAWS Mumbai – iCONGO Karmaveer Chakra for Animal Welfare and Environment Protection 2013 - 14 on the 27^th- - 28^th of February in New Delhi at the exclusive awards function which is a part of “iCONGO’s  REX Conclave being organised on 26^th, 27^th and 28^th of February  2014 in an event at New Delhi.

Hitesh Yadav (C) youngest animal lover from
Mumbai receiving “Karmaveer Chakra”
from the hands of Dr. David Dror (L)
and Shri. Sukhbir Singh (R) at New Delhi.

The CtrlS - iCONGO promoted “KARMAVEER PURASKAAR (KVP)” are the Global Awards for Social Justice and Citizen Action instituted by the people sector & civil society with various partner organisations, citizens at large and media supporters. Be the change you want to see in this world is what every KARMAVEER inherently believes and practices.

 

The awards and the CHAKRA recognize and applaud the social commitment of concerned individuals, who have proactively and voluntarily worked for bringing a positive transformation in the society and the world we live in. In today’s world where there is huge apathy & indifference, we feel a paramount need for being not just a good person but also a good citizen who exercises her/ his rights, duties & responsibilities as a concerned, just and humane citizen. 

 

“Getting prestigious award for our work as a youth it’s a big achievement and recognisation. I strongly believe that it’s the achievement of team work which we as a youth are doing at PAWS-Mumbai and I delicate this award to all the youth, student and supporter who always stand, guide and support us in our noble work which we do for voiceless friends or to protect our nature. – Nisha Subramanain Kunju”
 

About Ms. Nisha & Master Hitesh ………

 

Ms. Nisha Subramanian Kunju :  An animal and environment activist from Mumbai, working for the cause of animal welfare and environment protection since her childhood, Nisha was awarded REX fellowship in 2012. She started as a student member of Smt. Maneka Gandhi’s NGO ‘People for Animals”. Later in 2002, she joined Plant & Animals Welfare Society – Mumbai (PAWS-Mumbai) an NGO founded by her elder brother Sunish, as a Student Member. At present she is Administrator- cum-PRO associated with Animal Welfare Board of India as Hoy. Animal Welfare Officer. She is also the Founder Trustee of ‘Parivartan Pratishthan’.

 

She is involved in activities like Wildlife rescue, bird rescuing from residential areas and releasing back into its natural habitat, inspecting Zoos & Circuses, giving First Aid & taking care of injured birds, creating awareness about animal welfare, etc. Her main focus is to involve students and youth into animal welfare and environment protection movement.  For her noble work she has received several awards like Aadhi Aabadi Women Achievers Award 2013, Seemapuri Times’ Rajiv Gandhi Excellence Award 2013, International Woman's Day Achievers Award 2012 by Late Shri. Dina Bama Patil Pratishthan, Hira Manek's International Woman's Day Achievers Award 2012.

 

Master. Hitesh Yadav : He is 9 Years old and a young animal lover, has rescued many birds like sparrow, crow, pigeon, owl, cuckoo, besra and turtle. He is associated with this noble cause since when he was 3 years old and his rescue story has been published in many newspapers. He is an active student member of Plant & Animals Welfare Society - Mumbai and received many award for his noble works like Sparrow Friend Award 2011 from the hands of Honorable Governor of Maharashtra Shri K Sankaranarayanan, Public Felicitation by Bombay Natural History Society - BNHS for his conservation effort in very small age from the hands of Mrs Pheroza Godrej at BNHS Flamingo Festival 2011, Outstanding Student Award 2011 for his exemplary achievement in the field of Social Work from National Education Society & Saraswathi Vidya Bhavan on their 48th Foundation Day from the hands of Veteran Actress Zeenat Aman, Outstanding Student Award 2010 for being a Animal Activist on the event of National Education Society & Saraswathi Vidya Bhavan's Foundation Day, ROBINAGE Bright Sparks Scholarship 2009 by Robin Age. He got entries in World Records India, World Amazing Records, Everest World Records and Miracles World Records.

 

For more information please call 0n 09833480388 / 09892179542

 

For more Photographs and Video Clipping

Hitesh Yadav (C) youngest animal lover from Mumbai receiving “Karmaveer Chakra” from the hands of Dr. David Dror (L) and Shri. Sukhbir Singh (R) Hitesh Yadav (C)youngest animal lover from Mumbai receiving “Karmaveer Chakra” from the hands of Dr. David Dror (L) and Shri. Sukhbir Singh (R)

Karmaveer Puraskar and Chakra Fellows of Year 2013 - 14

Karmaveer Puraskar Fellows of Year 2013 - 14

Team PAWS-Mumbai with Amala Akkineni, an Actress and

Animal Activist with Blue Cross of Hyderabad

 Nisha Subramanian Kunju (C) youth activist from Mumbai receiving “Karmaveer Puraskar” from the hands of Dr. David Dror (L) and Shri. Sukhbir Singh (R) Video Clipping

 Hitesh Yadav (C) youngest animal lover from Mumbai receiving “Karmaveer Chakra” from the hands of Dr. David Dror (L) and Shri. Sukhbir Singh (R) Video Clipping

 Karmaveer Puraskar and Chakra Fellows of Year 2013 - 14 Video Clipping

 

PRESS RELEASE UPDATED BY

SUNISH SUBRAMANIAN KUNJU

Founder & Secretary : PAWS-Mumbai

12 Years old saved the LIFE

Every living creature have rights to LIVE ! Timely rescue saved LIFE of 2 White Rats

Kalpesh Pate with rescued
2 White Rat from Dustbin at Bhandup

3 January 2013 Friday | BHANDUP : Kalpesh Pate (12) Student of Parag English School Bhandup and a Student Member of Plant & Animals Welfare Society – Mumbai (PAWS-Mumbai) while returning from school, he spotted a plastic bag which is been attacking by Cats in Dustbin near his school, he stopped and observe it closely, while he saw White Rat’s which have been thrown and which is attacked by cats. He immediately went and rescued those White Rats and brought it to PAWS-Mumbai, where it had been given bath, food to eat and kept under observation said Hony. Animal Welfare Officer, Sunish Subramanian Kunju.

Sunish further said this kind of cruel act is a punishable offence under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and it’s an inhuman act but we are very happy to see this young boy not only rescue but also given this lovely creature a home by adopting it.

I was very surprised to see such a beautiful and lovely creature have been thrown in plastic bag, if I have not seen it may have die due to suffocation or cats may killed them. They are very playful and it’s easy to keep it at home freely, so I have adopted its said Kalpesh.

People buy animals like Rabbits, Rats, Turtles and even Cats, Dogs when they are very small  from pet shops, but we seen many cases where, when it become bigger or sick they are been abundant on streets to die said PAWS-Mumbai Administrator Nisha Kunju.

PAWS-Mumbai appeal to the citizen if you come across any such incident in your vicinity you can report us on HELPLINE 9833480388 or 25968314

More Photographs

PRESS RELEASE UPLOADED BY

 

NISHA KUNJU

PRO - Cum - Administrator

www.pawsmumbai.org

PAWS-Mumbai Team under the leadership of Chief Patron Abhijeet Rane and Founder Sunish Subramanian Kunju meets Maharashtra CM Shri Prithviraj Chavan

31 December 2013 | Maharashtra CM House - Varsha, Malabar Hill, Mumbai

 

MISSION 2014 ! Let make cruelty free Maharashtra for ELEPHNAT. PAWS-Mumbai Team under the leadership of Chief Patron Abhijeet Rane and Founder Sunish Subramanian Kunju meets Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Prithviraj Chavan to demand Total Banning of Elephants in Maharashtra which are been used for begging and owned by Private Owners.

 

OPEN LETTER

MISSION 2014 ! Let make cruelty free Maharashtra for ELEPHNAT

SAVE JUMBO an citizen movement initiated by Plant & Animals Welfare Society - Mumbai (PAWS-Mumbai) to fight for the justice of elephants in Maharashtra which is owned by private people who officially received ownership certificate from forest department.

WE seen Elephants CRYING

WE seen Elephants without PROPER DIET
WE seen Elephants injured using for BEGGING & JOYRIDE
We seen Elephants exploited under the name of newly arising FESTIVAL
WE seen Elephants sleeping on ROAD SIDE & UNDER BRIDGE
WE seen Elephants fighting for SURVIVAL
We seen Elephants DYING ON STREETS

So we animal lovers and citizen demand to the Laws Enforcement Authority to implementation of Existing Wildlife & Animal Protection Laws strictly to BAN Elephant by CANCELING the ownership of the private owners who exploit poor voiceless animal.

Elephants who are been illegally or legally brought out from natural habitat of forests they are separated from their parents in very small age. Later they are been used for begging on streets, performing in circus or kept in Zoos for amusement, elephant festivals.

As per the law the Indian elephant is listed at S. No. 12-B in Schedule–1 of The Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act 2002 and we Indian consider the elephant as a GOD, then who we can tolerate such cruelty on Elephants.

WE request MAHARASHTRA Governor, Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, State Forest Minister, Principal Secretary Forest and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests to please open your EYES and REACT in the interest of Mute and voiceless. 

Please have a look at SAVE JUMBO Blog www.savejumbo.blogspot.com and Facebook campaign page www.facebook.com/savejumbo

 

OPEN LETTER from Sunish Subramanian Kunju : Plant & Animals Welfare Society – Mumbai | pawsmumbai@gmail.com . call9833480388@gmail.com | +91 9833480388 | www.pawsmumbai.org

 

LETTER TO MAHARASHTRA CM

 

To,                                                                             

Shri. Prithviraj Chavan Ji

Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra

Government of Maharashtra

Subject          :          NEED to set-up guideline to STOP Cruelty on Elephants in the state of Maharashtra by private owned Elephants owners who bring the Elephants from other states. Demand Total Banning of Elephants into the limit of Maharashtra State with immediate effect by implementation of Existing Animal Welfare Laws as per our Constitution of India

Dear Sir,

Our father of nation Mahatma Gandhi said “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated” and we Indian believe Elephant as a God, but recent death of “Bijli / Ramu” elephant in Mulund, Mumbai (Maharashtra) which we strongly believe is due to use of elephants on streets, crowded area, joy rides, use in marriage ceremonies and other commercial purpose by their owner without any proper diet & health care. Bijli is not the first Elephant who has died, in 2006, an elephant “Roopkali / Laskhmi” too died after being hit by speeding water tanker on the streets of Chembur, Mumbai (Maharashtra).

The Indian Elephant is listed at S. No. 12-B in Schedule – 1 of The Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act 2002. As in Maharashtra there are not habitats for elephants, so they are brought to Maharashtra from other states by road ways on foot. Such elephants are taken away from their natural habitats and forcibly separated from their parents at young age and thus illegally (maybe legally) brought to towns for commercial purposes. Can they be given requisite permissions like ownership certificate & transit permit by Forest Department and allowed to bring to towns for commercial purpose? We strongly believe not a single elephants in Maharashtra is covered by Elephant Insurance Policy nor having Certificate of Implantation of Microchip which is the duty of Forest Department to track the movement of such animals and even not have any data base of the elephants owned by private people too. No forest check post staff is keeping a watch of Elephants which are coming into state of Maharashtra from other State.

We learned that all Elephants owners have failed to provide elephant sufficient food, water or shelter as most of the elephants are seen resting under bridge, side of roads at night or other public place and even failing to provide health care because in Maharashtra there is No Private or Animal Husbandry Veterinary Doctor who can treat elephants. Elephants are not given sufficient exercise too. Such walking on town’s streets for food and money cannot surly be called “exercise”. In Maharashtra, Elephant become money making business equipment for their owners and 2009 PAWS-Mumbai written a Suggestion letters to all the law enforcement authority but not received any response from them. If timely action have been taken against this private owners we have possible to see “Bijli / Ramu” and “Roopkali / Laskhmi” alive.

Above all the activities carried out by these owners are violating various animal welfare laws like Section 2(7A) read with Section 2 (39) 38H, 43 and 42 of Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act 2002; Wildlife Protection Act 1972; Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Transport of Animals on Foot) Rules 2001; Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960; Performing Animals Rules, 1973 & 2001; Indian Penal Code 1860. But even after compliant to the Officers of Forest Department not action are been take against the owners.

So, we as a citizen of India and animal welfare / rights organisation, demand to you as a HEAD of law enforcement authority to TOTAL BAN on Elephants (include bringing for festivals) transit into the limit of Maharashtra State with immediate effect by implementation of the existing laws as per our Constitution of India. It’s time we common citizen, public representative and our future citizen student and youths should come forward to SAVE JUMBO.

Our observation …..…
 

Ø  The Elephants are made to walk for long distance without adequate food and water on Tar road.

Ø  The Elephants are made to walk long distance at night time too.

Ø  The Elephants cause traffic jam while they are being taken from one place to another.

Ø  The noise due to vehicular traffic and crackers increase the stress levels of the Elephants.

Ø  The Elephants do not get proper medical treatment by their handler when they become sick or injured.

Ø  Minor children are made to sit over Elephants and beg along with these animals.

Ø  It is hazardous to make the Elephants walk in public as they may come in “Musth”, thus risking the life and property of citizen.

Ø  The handlers / owners of the Elephants themselves are poor. Thus it is very unlikely that they would be able to feed or taken proper care of these meg-herbivores who require adequate food and medication to live well.

Ø  The owner sells the tail hairs as good – luck charms.

Ø  It’s seen the Forest Department have no control over private owned elephant owner.

Our suggestion …….
 

Ø  Direct the Police, Local Forest Staff to take appropriate penal action against the violator, handlers or owners of these animals.

Ø  Ensure that ownership license of the handlers or owners are revoked. 

Ø  Constitute an Elephant Welfare Committee (comprising of Police, Forest officials and representative of animal welfare organizations) who would direct a team of Elephant handlers to transfer apprehended animals to hospitals / wildlife parks / Elephants Camps.

Ø  Expert “Mahouts” be made to take care of these apprehended Elephants in the National Parks / Wildlife Sanctuaries and paid for the same.

Ø  Direct the Police Commissioner and Chief Conservator of Forests to educate all their subordinates about the laws concerning the welfare and Elephants and other animals.

Ø  Make the officials manning the various check-posts (of Police, BMC and Forest Departments) to prevent entry of unauthorized animals into city limit.

Ø  Seize the elephants which are made to beg on the streets and transfer them to the nearest forest (such as “Sanjay Gandhi National Parks” etc.). The mahout can be sent with elephant and use it for patrolling, tourism etc. The mahout would be better off in such National Parks as they would not have to walk on our tarred/ concrete roads and also that they would be taken care of by the medical team of such Parks.

Ø  Kindly ensure that mahout should given some sort of employment as per their expertise in the forest or elsewhere. They could be given the job of care and welfare of such elephants.

Ø  Funding of such “elephant camp” in National Parks should be funded by Project Elephants / Central Zoo Authority (CZA) / State Forest Department.
 

In the larger interest of the mute and suffering animals, we request you as a Head of law enforcement authority to take urgent steps to prevent abuse and ill-treatment of such animals. If timely action will not taken from your side in future we have to see more “Bijli / Ramu” and “Roopkali / Laskhmi” dying on streets of Maharashtra.

PAWS-Mumbai SAVE JUMBO citizen campaign supported by MP’s, MLA’s, MLC’s, Municipal Councilor’s, NGO’s, Publication House’s and Animal Lover’s across the state demanding total banning of Elephants begging and other commercial by immediate effect by implementation of Existing Animal Welfare Laws as per our Constitution of India.

Sunish Subramanian Kunju

Founder & Secretary : PAWS-Mumbai

Hony. Animal Welfare Officer : AWBI

Editor : Plant & Animal Voice         

 

Please visit www.savejumbo.blogspot.com or  community page www.facebook.com/savejumbo for online copy of more documents and photographs related to elephants issue in Maharashtra State.

 

More Photographs

 PRESS RELEASE UPLOADED BY

 

Nisha Subramanian Kunju

PRO - Cum - Administrator

www.pawsmumbai.org