Response: The proposed amendment to the Wildlife Act will create loopholes for elephant trade

The author of an article on the Wildlife Protection Act addresses concerns raised by a retired Indian Forest Service officer.

Alok Hisarwala

· Feb 12, 2022 · 10:00 am

India’s elephants will suffer huge setback if proposed changes to Wildlife Protection Act are passed

The exception allowing private ownership of elephants has led to widespread abuse and harm. Now, legalising their trade will mark a dangerous regression.

Alok Hisarwala

· Jan 31, 2022 · 06:30 am

What Kerala can learn from Tamil Nadu about protecting elephants

Pooram is not just a traditional cultural activity anymore – it has become almost a violent performative sport.

Alok Hisarwala

· Oct 04, 2021 · 06:30 am

The rewilding of Rivaldo in Tamil Nadu gives hope for radical change for elephants in captivity

It’s time to abolish the belief that captivity can be a humane alternative for the species.

Alok Hisarwala

· Aug 12, 2021 · 07:30 am

Bakri-Id: The debate on animal sacrifice should not be weaponised to create further hate

The solution lies in building constructive, long-term dialogue among all groups to effect change, write two animal activists.

Alok Hisarwala

 & 

Krishnaunni Hari

· Jul 20, 2021 · 11:30 am

Despite a history of violence against animals, India does not have a formal record of this cruelty

While the country claims to be the home of ahimsa and a place of compassion to all living creatures, the reality is very different.

Alok Hisarwala

· Mar 02, 2021 · 06:30 am

The life and death of Lakshmi Kumari, an elephant as old as the Indian Constitution

For most of her life of 70 years, she was entitled to a promise of compassion. But it was never delivered.

Alok Hisarwala

· Dec 29, 2020 · 06:30 am

As elephant Saumya’s brutal death is communalised, what does it say about India’s animal policies?

While captive elephants are worshipped, they are subjected to a life of forced hard labour and torture.

Rajesh Kasturirangan

 & 

Alok Hisarwala

· Jun 06, 2020 · 06:30 am

India is pushing a plan to protect elephants in the wild – but is ignoring animals in captivity

When the Wildlife Protection Act was passed in 1972, an exception was created for elephants in captivity at the time. That’s why 1,687 remain in private hands.

Alok Hisarwala

· Feb 25, 2020 · 09:00 am

Why LGBT people must protest sedition case against 50 people for slogans at Mumbai Queer Pride event

We have long fought to create spaces of inclusion. That inclusion must also extend to our politics and the diversity of political beliefs.

Alok Hisarwala

· Feb 04, 2020 · 12:12 pm

Animal rights: It’s time Indian leftists embraced the well-being of non-human creatures too

The progressive struggles have been about equality – across lines of caste, gender, sexuality, religion, place of origin – but confined to humans alone.

Alok Hisarwala

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Rajesh Kasturirangan

· Jun 04, 2019 · 12:30 pm

Thank you, Sridevi, for giving me the courage to embrace my inner Chandni

The white dupatta carries me everyday, through today.

Alok Hisarwala

· Feb 26, 2018 · 07:30 pm