The Forest Department proposes to destroy the stockpile of ivory and wildlife trophies weighing 9.40 tonnes and worth several thousand crores of rupees, stored in a godown in Ashokapuram in city.

A letter, seeking permission to destroy the stockpile in a godown in Aranya Bhavan at Ashokpuram, was written by the Chief Conservator of Forests (Mysore) K.P. Markandeya to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests in Bangalore dated July 26.

Markandeya pointed out that the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) had in 1994, issued a circular to Forest Departments in States and Union Territories to dispose of the old stocks of elephant tusks and wildlife trophies.

The MoEF on November 4, 1994, had said that it had been receiving letters from States asking it to clarify as to what steps should be taken to dispose of the old stocks of wildlife trophies accumulated with them on account of seizures and confiscations.

Markandeya said that CCTV cameras were installed at the godown and to depute armed guards from the Forest Department for security, it would incur additional costs and might be dangerous for their lives.

Several of the tusks that were of good quality have been given to various government offices, museums in several States and training centres for educational purposes, said Markandeya.

Courtesy : Star Of Mysore