Even burnt ivory could bring revenue; pharma firms seek ash, govt to study market potential

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government is examining the marketing potential of ash obtained from burning seized ivory. Forest Minister A K Saseendran said that some pharmaceutical companies have approached the government seeking the ash after the ivory is destroyed.

The minister said that the Forest Department currently has ivory worth around Rs 260 crore in its custody. A final decision will be taken after detailed discussions. The minister also said that the number of deaths caused by wildlife attacks has been reduced, and fatalities due to snakebites are also declining.

He added that all compensation payments will be completed by March 31. Only those who submit the required documents will receive the compensation. So far, Rs 72 crore has been distributed as compensation, and Rs 731.75 crore has been spent on various projects. The minister said there had earlier been criticism that strong action was not being taken against wildlife attacks. However, he claimed that complaints against Forest Department officials have now decreased.