Kerala Ayurvedic Firms Seek Legal Route for Forest Department’s ‘Bhasmam’ Supply

Quick Summary

• The Kerala government has introduced amendments to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, permitting the culling of wild animals that intrude into human habitats, sparking debate.
• Ayurvedic medicine manufacturers in Kerala are exploring legal avenues to benefit from a 2023 central amendment allowing incineration of animal horns and tusks of deceased wildlife.
• Seized items like horns and tusks, previously stored by the Forest department, can now legally be incinerated under specified protocols laid out by law. A committee appointed by the Chief Wildlife warden oversees this process.
• Ayurvedic ash (‘bhasmam’) derived from incinerated tusks and antlers is used in preparing medicines with domestic and export value. Though, Forest department officials clarify that current legal provisions may not allow release of this ash for medicinal use.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The amendments reflect evolving approaches toward balancing human-wildlife conflict and wildlife conservation laws.While Kerala’s decision to permit animal culling raises ethical concerns about preserving biodiversity versus safeguarding human settlements, it highlights struggles faced due to increasing overlap between urbanization and natural habitats.

On a broader level, Ayurveda manufacturers’ interest in material derived from incinerated wildlife property underscores challenges related to regulating traditional medicine’s ecological impact while adhering strictly to conservation policies. Given that international trade is involved in the sector’s growth, ensuring compliance with both domestic laws and global wildlife preservation norms becomes essential for maintaining sustainability alongside industry benefits.

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