Four Men Arrested for Poaching Migratory Birds at Kotla Lake in Haryana’s Nuh
The police in Haryana’s Nuh district have made a significant breakthrough in combating wildlife crime, arresting four individuals for allegedly poaching migratory birds and waterfowl at the Kotla lake. This action is linked to a case registered in December 2025, highlighting ongoing efforts to protect the region's avian visitors.
Details of the Arrests and Investigation
The arrests were executed by a team from the Akera police station, following a formal complaint lodged by wildlife inspector Rajneesh Kumar. During interrogation, the accused confessed to their involvement in the illegal activities, according to a police spokesperson. The arrested men have been identified as Zakir, Waheed, Mujahid, and Rajuddin, all residents of Akera in Nuh.
The police revealed that the accused admitted to exploiting the seasonal influx of migratory birds at the village pond-turned-lake, also known as the Akera-Kotla lake. They had been systematically laying nets to trap these birds over an extended period and selling them in local markets, posing a severe threat to wildlife conservation.
Incident Timeline and Seizure of Evidence
On December 21, 2025, the four men, along with accomplices including Javed, Wasim, Ramzani, and Habbal, laid nets and successfully captured birds. However, they managed to flee just before a wildlife department team arrived at the scene. The situation escalated on Saturday when the group returned to lay nets again, only to be caught red-handed by the vigilant wildlife team.
Two nets were recovered from their possession and seized as evidence, underscoring the methodical nature of their poaching operations. The police have initiated legal proceedings against the four individuals in accordance with the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, aiming to deter such illegal activities in the future.
Background on Kotla-Akera Lake and Conservation Challenges
The Kotla-Akera lake in Nuh is a critical habitat that attracts significant numbers of migratory birds each winter, making it a vital site for biodiversity. Despite its ecological importance, the lake has faced repeated complaints of poaching, with multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) registered over time. The National Green Tribunal has been examining the lack of adequate protection and the prevalence of illegal activities at this wetland, highlighting systemic conservation challenges.
In a related conservation effort, January saw a joint operation by police and forest officials to curb illegal mining in the Aravallis. They blocked all unauthorized access routes to the Pinangwan Hills, located in Jhimrawat village of the district. This action targeted a network of makeshift roads and paths allegedly created to transport illegally mined stones from the Aravalli hills. Officials identified and permanently sealed these routes to prevent further movement of heavy machinery and vehicles into mining sites, demonstrating a broader commitment to environmental protection in the region.
The arrests at Kotla lake serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing threats to wildlife and the need for sustained enforcement and community awareness to safeguard migratory species and their habitats.
