Exact figure not disclosed due to security reasons, will cause pollution; Forest Department in dilemma

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A section of senior officials of the department has demanded that the ivory stored in the strong rooms of the forest department and some of the state treasuries be burnt as per the central law amendment. However, it is reported that the Forest Minister did not respond positively due to fear of controversy.

An amendment to the Central Wildlife Protection Act notified on April 1, 2023, provides for disposal of fallen elephant tusks along with them. Ivory kept in strong rooms should be burnt after inspection by a committee appointed by the state government.

On July 17, the Center had written to the Chief Wildlife Wardens of the states in this regard. The officials have come forward after no ministerial discussion has been held in this regard. It is known that even if petrol is poured and burnt, it will take days to burn completely and it will lead to air pollution. Meanwhile, states like Bengal and Assam had burnt ivory.

An unofficial estimate is that 60 elephants die in Kerala every year. Those captured in raids are also kept in strong rooms. All these add up to more than 15 tons. The exact figure is not disclosed due to security reasons.