PROPOSED BAN ON TRADE IN PEACOCK FEATHERS
10th May 2010. Delhi
The Ministry of Environment and Forests, in response to numerous requests from various stakeholders, is in the process of banning the trade of peacock feathers. It has been brought to the Ministry’s attention that the demand for the feathers outsrips the supply leading to the rampant poaching and killing of the birds for the purpose of their feathers.
To this end the Ministry proposes to amend Sections 43(3)(a) and 44 of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 which relate to the transfer and sale of the tail feathers of peacocks. The proposed amendment is intended to prevent the illegal trapping and killing of the national bird for their tail feathers.
Currently, the Act prohibits the killing of peacocks as well as export of tail feathers or articles made from them. But, the Act allows domestic trade in feathers or articles under the assumption that these are naturally shed.
Following the amendment, section 43(3)(a) and section 44 will no longer exempt those possessing a certificate of ownership for peacocks from transferring or selling the tail feather and articles or trophies made from them. There will be imposed a comprehensive ban on the sale, transfer and trade of peacock feathers.
Comments are invited on the above.
thats a nice initiative but is that the only and best way to eradicate the problem ?
ReplyDeletewe have all seen how basic conservation projects like that of tiger fails in india .
in such a situation the sale would go on as usual , but the feathers would become very costly . hindu rituals often involve use of peacock feather fans etc . what of that ?
isnt it better if government take an initiative to breed and raise peacocks for obtaining their feathers ? then they can use some sort of seal which indicated that they are from legal farms . and those without that seal are to be declared illegal . along with massive campaigning and advertisements , people would take to buying these feathers from government outlets rather than elsewhere .
like in west , trade in exotic birds are banned but those which are captive bred and have a ring on their feet( can be only inserted as a chick) are allowed .