Amidst ongoing discussions ignited by the Kerala government’s recent amendments to the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 — which permit the culling of wild animals encroaching on human settlements — another significant change in federal law is drawing the attention of Ayurvedic medicine manufacturers across the state. Two years ago, the Centre introduced an amendment to the same Act, allowing for the incineration of horns and tusks from deceased animals. This development has prompted local Ayurvedic producers to consider legal strategies to access the resulting ash, known as ‘bhasmam’.
Historically, the government maintained a strict stance against burning seized animal parts, including valuable horns, deer antlers, and elephant tusks, which are held in considerable quantities by the Forest Department. However, the 2023 amendment marked a shift, explicitly stating: “Any wild animal article, trophy or uncured trophy, or meat derived from any wild animal, which is a State government or Central government property… shall be disposed of in the following manner: the Director, Wildlife Preservation, or the Chief Wildlife Warden or an officer authorised… may by order direct the incineration of such government property at such place and such date and time as mentioned in the order.”
The High Value of ‘Bhasmam’ for Export
The Ayurvedic Medicine Manufacturers Organisation of India (AMMOI) highlights that ‘bhasmam’ derived from incinerated tusks and deer antlers is a crucial component in various Ayurvedic formulations. Some of these medicines boast significant export potential, underscoring the manufacturers’ keen interest in securing this raw material. D. Ramanathan, AMMOI’s general secretary, confirmed that the organization is actively exploring legal avenues to obtain this ash from the department, citing a growing scarcity in the market.
Despite the manufacturers’ strong interest, Forest Department officials remain skeptical about the legal feasibility of supplying the ash for Ayurvedic medicine production under current regulations. The law mandates that the incineration process must be overseen by a committee established by the Chief Wildlife Warden. This committee typically includes an officer of Deputy Conservator of Forests rank, a representative from the local grama panchayat, a Revenue Department official (not below tahsildar rank), and a wildlife expert. This committee is then required to submit a comprehensive report on the incineration to the Chief Wildlife Warden within ten days, adding layers of procedural complexity to any potential release of the material.