Illegal trafficking of wild parakeets and turtles continues unchecked in the city’s markets at Lakadganj, Mominpura, and Motibagh railway station, despite repeated alerts to the forest department.
On Sunday, a Nagpur resident, Nishant, uploaded a video on social media showing the thriving trade at Lakadganj market. In the clip, a youth wearing a cap can be seen openly advertising Alexandrine parakeets (Karan tota) for ₹4,000 each. According to activists, the boy and his family run an illicit bird bazaar every Sunday, selling dozens of smuggled parrots. The birds are reportedly transported in e-rickshaws, scooter dickeys, and bags before being handed over to buyers. Women are said to play a leading role in the racket, which operates brazenly within 500 metres of the Lakadganj forest office.
The trade is not confined to Sundays. While Lakadganj becomes the hub at week’s end, sales reportedly shift to Mominpura and Motibagh railway colony areas on other days. Among the birds sold are Alexandrine, plum-headed, and rose-ringed parakeets — all protected under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
The last known raid was on June 3, 2025, when 54 parakeets were seized from a slum near Motibagh railway colony. However, activists allege that enforcement has been sporadic and weak.
“Despite repeated alerts and rescue operations, the forest department’s reluctance to pursue strong legal action has emboldened traffickers,” said Swapnil Bodhane of Help For Animal Welfare Association (HAWA). Both HAWA and People For Animals (Wardha-Nagpur) have carried out rescue missions, freeing several captive birds and seizing vehicles used for smuggling.
Conservationists warn that unless strict and sustained crackdowns are carried out, the illegal bird trade in Nagpur will continue to flourish in plain sight.
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