The Bengal Forest Department took a significant step toward conservation by commencing the destruction of 53 pieces of ivory, collectively weighing about 270kg, in a resolute effort to eliminate the market's demand for the coveted "white gold."
image captured by Rupesh Khan, adapted from "the Telegraph online".
This decisive move followed the Centre's directives to dispose of "animal articles" with stringent guidelines aimed at sending a clear message against the rampant poaching of elephants. The decision to destroy the accumulated ivory, stored for over a decade, was propelled by the need to deter illegal wildlife trade, especially the illicit commerce of elephant tusks.
The process began in Bankura and is set to extend across various divisions in both north and south Bengal, with each circle forming a committee to facilitate the disposal of ivory pieces. The chief wildlife warden, Debal Ray, emphasized the formulation of committees in adherence to guidelines to ensure the systematic destruction of these articles.
Recognizing the time-consuming nature of ivory incineration, forest authorities opted to utilize an incinerator machine from a private facility in Barjora, Bankura, expediting the process to avoid prolonged burning durations. Senior foresters acknowledged the difficulty in completely incinerating ivory and highlighted the possibility of pulverizing the pieces for more efficient disposal if required.
The ongoing incineration, initiated at midday, continued well into the evening, with approximately 30% of the ivory remaining at the close of the day. Plans were in place to pulverize the residual ivory pieces should the destruction process extend further. The stockpile of 53 ivory tusks, sourced from various forest divisions, underwent meticulous evaluation by a dedicated committee comprising senior officials and conservation authorities.
These ivory tusks, obtained from deceased elephants across diverse regions, represented a long-standing collection stored in custody for years. Notably, the largest tusk incinerated weighed approximately 28kg, emphasizing the substantial nature of the confiscated ivory pieces.
Ivory's exorbitant value in the illegal market drives the persistent efforts of foresters in combating the illicit trade networks. Estimated at Rs 6-8 lakh per kilogram on international markets, the tusks' destruction serves as a critical blow to these underground networks.
Upon completion of the incineration, forest authorities plan to safeguard against potential misuse by collecting the ashes and incorporating them into artefacts, ensuring the complete elimination of any remaining traces of ivory.
The Bengal Forest Department's bold move stands as a testament to its commitment to wildlife preservation and its unwavering determination to curtail the illegal ivory trade, marking a crucial step in safeguarding the majestic elephant population.
