On the occasion of ‘World Rhino Day’, the Assam Government has burnt a stockpile of 2,479 rhino horns.
This act aimed of putting an end on wildlife poaching in the state.
These horns were burnt at Bokakhat, Golaghat district, adjacent to Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR).
Considered as “milestone towards rhino conservation”, the Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that burning volumes of such horns will bust myths, such as – ‘rhino horns are utilized for medicinal purposes’.
“One-horned rhino is not only integral to our civilisation, but also a symbol of our prized heritage and identity. We are preserving 94 rhino horns for display at a museum to be set up at Kaziranga National Park. The use of rhinos’ horns for medicinal purposes is a myth.” – tweeted the CM.
It may be mentioned that the State cabinet recently resolved to destroy 2,479 rhino horns, out of 2,623 horns stored in various treasuries. The State forest and environment department has already conducted the verification process to identify probable fake horns among the real ones in 12 treasuries across Assam as allegations flouted that a section of corrupt forest officials would destroy those fake horns and later smuggle those into international markets.
Meanwhile, the state cabinet has decided to preserve 94 rhino horns as heritage pieces for academic purposes and public viewing.
Also read: PPFA Demands Transparency in Assam Rhino Horn Disposal