UP's Pilibhit turtle carcass incinerated without autopsy, DFO asked to explain

PILIBHIT: Bareilly zone chief conservator of forests (CCF) P P Singh has sought an explanation from Pilibhit forest and wildlife division DFO Bharat Kumar DK after the carcass of an Indian flapshell turtle was incinerated without an autopsy or registration of a departmental case.The aquatic species is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The CCF said the “handling of the carcass violated established protocols and standard operating procedures”.The crushed carcass was found on Pilibhit-Tanakpur Road, between a large water body and Drummond Government Inter College, around 10am Saturday. After being informed by local journalist Shubham Mishra, deputy range officer Sher Singh sent forest staff to collect it.However, divisional forest officials neither conducted an autopsy nor registered a departmental case. Both are mandatory under the protocol for dealing with the death of a Schedule I species.“A post-mortem examination must then be conducted by a panel of govt veterinary officers designated by a senior forest officer. For Schedule I species, videography of the procedure, site and carcass is mandatory. The examination involves documenting external and internal injuries and collecting biological samples, including visceral contents, tissue and blood, for forensic analysis,” the CCF said.Singh said forest staff must cordon off the site after a wildlife carcass is found to preserve evidence. They must photograph and videograph the undisturbed site, surrounding terrain and carcass, and look for signs of an accident, including vehicle-impact or collision marks.Singh said officials must also prepare site maps, record GPS coordinates, draw up seizure memos and make a general diary entry at the local police station. “A formal report must then be submitted to the state’s chief wildlife warden before the carcass is disposed of under official supervision.”He also directed the DFO to initiate a survey to identify aquatic wildlife species inhabiting the water body. He sought steps to stop the discharge of household wastewater and sewage into it, saying the pollution threatened protected aquatic wildlife.The CCF said pollution in the nearly one-hectare water body, a major portion of which is state-owned, would be raised with the district administration through the District Environment Committee. The panel is headed by the district magistrate, while the DFO serves as its secretary. Alleged encroachments on the water body would also be taken up by the committee, he added.Stay updated with the latest Bareilly news. Download the TOI App.