Animal Cruelty Scandal at Raigad Fort: Five Donkeys Found Dead, Authorities Take Action
In a distressing incident at Raigad Fort, five donkeys used for transporting construction materials were discovered dead, prompting immediate action from authorities. Assistant Commissioner of the Animal Husbandry Department, Subhash Dalvi, conducted a thorough inspection of the area on Wednesday, following the grim discovery.
Contractors Warned as Animal Cruelty Allegations Surface
The Animal Husbandry Department has issued formal warnings to contractors and relevant authorities, threatening legal action for animal cruelty. This move comes after activists raised alarms about the mistreatment of donkeys at the historic site. According to reports, contractors are allegedly using around 150 donkeys to transport stone, boulders, lime, and other construction items, bypassing the available ropeway system to cut costs.
Activists claim that over the past five years, approximately 25 to 30 donkeys have died due to neglect, with no intervention from the Raigad Development Authority or the Archaeological Survey of India. The recent carcasses of five donkeys were found dumped at Konzhar ghat, located about 6 kilometers from the fort, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Local Voices and Visitor Complaints Ignored
A local activist detailed the ongoing cruelty, stating, "The 7-8 contractors involved in various projects brought the donkeys but failed to provide proper care. Overloading and abuse continue unchecked, causing significant inconvenience to fort visitors. Contractors and officials even threaten local stall owners, silencing them with fears of livelihood loss."
Adding to the concerns, a ropeway official reported that tourists using the step route frequently complain about foul odors and unhygienic conditions caused by the donkeys. "Neither the contractors nor their employers clean the steps, and the donkeys make two trips daily. Despite the ropeway being available, contractors refuse to use it for transporting construction goods," the official explained.
Authorities Respond with Shelter and Investigations
Following the inspection, Assistant Commissioner Dalvi provided updates on the measures being taken. "Half of the contractors have already left the site. We have constructed a shelter for the 150 donkeys to ensure their safety. However, incidents such as snake bites and deaths have been reported, and we recently spotted two decomposed carcasses in the nearby area. We are now writing to the contractors, their employers, and the authorities to address these issues promptly," he stated.
This case underscores broader issues of animal welfare and regulatory oversight at heritage sites, calling for stricter enforcement and community awareness to prevent future tragedies.
