Env Minister justifies frog poaching
PTI, PANAJI | 21 July 2011 13:27 IST
Much to the dismay of the environmentalists, Goa Environment Minister Aleixo Sequiera today defended frog-killing in the state, terming it as a `habit'.
Sequeira, addressing a convention of youths on environment at Dona Paula near here, said "frogs have been eaten in the state for (the past) several years".
"It is a habit that has been going on. I agree that it is against the law," the minister said, evoking angry reactions from the gathering of around 100 participants, who urged Sequiera to respect the country's wildlife laws.
"Don't treat wildlife-related crimes (as) pettier than the general crimes," one of the participants told the minister during the interaction.
Poaching frogs is banned under wildlife protection act, as the species have been classified as protected. Frogs is a delicacy in the monsoon in Goa.
They are termed `jumping chicken' and served at various restaurants in coastal belt, especially South Goa.
The minister was interacting with youths at the concluding session of convention on 'Environment and Development', organised by Centre for Environment Education, and Goa Golden Jubilee Development Council.
Sequeira conceded that he had asked the forest department officials, at times, "to release the accused nabbed for frog poaching on bail".
"What is the use of keeping him in a lock-up when the offence is bailable," he said.
With this type of talks by the Politicians--are all those seminars and conventions ---not an utter waste of public money?
He should at least have the common sense that whatever his private opinion--in public he should avoid such statements...?