Current Summary
The Forest Department and Rajaji Tiger Reserve authorities have issued an alert and stepped up night patrols around Haridwar's forest areas ahead of Diwali, citing a seasonal risk of owl poaching driven by superstitious tantric beliefs that sacrificing an owl brings wealth and prosperity. Quick Response Teams have been placed on alert and intensive day-and-night patrolling is being carried out, with special attention on areas near forests where poaching or smuggling is suspected. Leave for forest officials and workers has been restricted during the Diwali period. Forest officials and religious leaders have jointly urged the public to avoid such superstitions, saying the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, whose mythological vehicle is the owl, is meant to invoke happiness and prosperity, not to justify killing the bird.
What We Know
- Rajaji Tiger Reserve and the Forest Department have increased night patrols around Haridwar's forests ahead of Diwali.
- Quick Response Teams have been placed on alert, with intensive patrolling focused on areas prone to poaching or smuggling.
- Leave for forest officials and workers has been restricted during the festival period.
- Authorities link the risk to superstitious tantric beliefs that owl sacrifice brings wealth and prosperity.
- Forest officials and religious leaders have jointly urged the public to reject these superstitions.
What Is Still Unclear
- Whether any poaching attempts or arrests have occurred this Diwali season.
What Changed
- 7 Nov, 08:11 pmSignal detected: Forest Department Steps Up Patrols Near Haridwar to Prevent Owl Poaching Ahead of Diwali
Background
Owls are illegally traded and sacrificed around Diwali in parts of India due to superstitious tantric beliefs, despite legal protection under wildlife laws.