Gorewada Rescue Centre Under Fire for Unofficial Visits Despite CZA Warning
The Gorewada Rescue Centre and Transit Treatment Centre in Nagpur, established for the treatment and rehabilitation of wild animals, have unfortunately become unofficial “picnic” spots for local politicians and bureaucrats. This comes despite a warning issued by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) in 2022.
CZA guidelines clearly state that these centres are intended exclusively for the medical care and housing of distressed wild animals. Only forest officials, veterinarians, and staff directly involved in rescue and rehabilitation efforts are authorized to enter. However, recent events indicate that these regulations are frequently disregarded, posing significant risks to the animals.
For instance, a senior Indian Railways official in Nagpur made an unauthorized visit to the Gorewada Rescue Centre, reportedly at the behest of higher-ups. This visit, along with many others by politicians and bureaucrats, occurred despite the CZA’s earlier show-cause notice demanding an end to such unauthorized access.
A senior forest official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that while the centre initially adhered to the CZA’s notice, pressure from influential individuals has led to ongoing violations. Since the notice, a variety of high-profile visitors—including Members of Parliament, state legislators, senior railway officials, and judicial officers—have toured the rescue and transit treatment centres to see the captive wild animals.
Wildlife experts and forest officials have expressed concern about the detrimental effects of these visits. They emphasize that these centres are not zoos and are specifically designed for the care of ill and stressed animals. The presence of outsiders can exacerbate the animals’ distress, potentially leading to self-harm or the spread of infections. Authorities are being urged to implement stricter regulations to prevent such visits, prioritizing the welfare of the animals over unofficial tours by politicians and bureaucrats.
