News Karnataka
Friday, March 29 2024
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Dharwad

Blackbuck horns spotted on autos again in Dharawad: Depts’ action urged

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Dharawad: The greed of man never lets animals live peacefully in their natural habitat too. Animals are killed for their hides, tusk, horns, and nails among others. Many old houses showcase these items as a trophy, sadly.

In a recent trend, it seems like several autos in twin cities of Hubballi – Dharawad are allegedly decorated with blackbuck horn. Though not sure about its originality, the suspicion arises as Blackbuck Sanctuary at Ranebennur Taluk of Haveri District is situated just 120 kms away from Dharwad. It also leads to the suspicion of an alleged animal trading mafia in twin cities. According to Wildlife Conservation Act 1972 Chapter V-A, Sections 49-A to 49-C, Prohibition of Trade or Commerce in Trophies, Animal Articles, etc, derived from certain animals/ Scheduled animals/ Declaration by dealers – Indian Wildlife Protection Act – 1972 with effect from 2.10.1991 & Subsection 33 & 35) none can possess, carry, shift or use horns of wild animals as decorative piece.

The Forest Department, City Police and RTO seems to be not noticing the issue. Three years ago, The Nature Research Centre of Dharwad conducted one-time drive to bring awareness among the autorickshaw drivers and requested them to return those horns to the Forest Department. But now the same thing has been repeated without any fear.

Speaking to News Karnataka the Head of Nature Research Centre, Harshavardhan Sheelavant, said that, ”usually Blackbuck horns break during the fight between two blackbucks to gain supremacy over a female blackbuck. Many times farmers of this region find these horns lying in their fields, and only some of them return it to the department. However, when we spot these horns on the autos the suspicion over animal trading mafia arises.”

“We have lodged a complaint regarding this aspect to the Forest Department, Police Department and even Ministry of Forests but Forest Department cites staff shortage as well as fund to take further action. However, I urge the Departments Concerned that their negligence is not fair on wild animals,” he added.

Speaking to News Karnataka Range Forest Officer R. S. Uppar said that, “Our department has not noticed any such cases but now we will look into the issue.”

Photo Source: Facebook

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Raksha Deshpande

The author is a postgraduate in Mass Communication and Journalism from Karnataka University, Dharwad. Her interests range from literature, history, travel to politics, and is keenly interested to write human interest stories and articles relating to literature, travel.

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