Navi Mumbai: Five donkeys used for transportation at Raigad Fort have been found dead. Their carcasses allegedly dumped at the Konzhar ghat, around 6km away from the fort. Around 100 donkeys are used to transport stone, boulders, lime, toilet commodes, among others, through the trek path from the foothill.Around eight contractors engaged in various works have been using the animals for the last 4-5 years, during which 20-30 donkeys have died. The temperature has shot up in the fort area.The incidents were reported a few days ago. After the spread of foul odour following the dumping of their carcass into a valley en route to the fort, locals started complaining about breathing uneasily. The animal husbandry department and livestock development offices had no information about the incident.The locals demanded appropriate action against those responsible.The contractors of the Raigad Development Authority (RDA), who intend to make more profit, are using the donkeys rather than the ropeway, allege many.Activist Dipak Swain said, “It is shocking to learn about the dumping of the animals around the ghat section of the fort area.”An Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) staffer claimed, “Donkeys numbering 20 to 30 have died in the last five years. The donkeys make two trips daily by 10 am before the turnout of visitors. Lacking proper food provision and health care has affected the health of donkeys under rising temperatures, among other factors. Our contractors use the ropeway for the transport of their materials or goods.”Pachad sarpanch, Mahesh Bendugade, confirmed the use of donkeys for construction material transport.The assistant commissioner (animal husbandry), Dr Subhash Dalvi, said, “No information has been obtained about the death of the donkeys by our department. An inspection will be conducted.”The ASI and RDA are engaged in conservation and providing facilities for the visitors at the fort. The RDA, through the PWD and other agencies, employs 7-8 contractors. The contractors transport materials. They are using the donkeys on the difficult step path and its sides to scale up to the 2,700-foot-high fort.
