The NRMC´s decision has come at a time when the the Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation´s decision has been severely criticized by noted conservationists and CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) experts who have argued that the government instead of looking at alternatives to preserve such valuable remains has blindly followed WWF´s proposal to burn them down. [break]
"The remains must be preserved for educational and scientific use," Dr Ravi Sharma Aryal, a CITES expert, said, adding, "The government could even loan it to third countries for putting up these parts and skins in their museums for which the government would earn good revenue."
Sharma added, "Instead of looking at options, the government is trying to destroy all these. It is wrong."
The Institute of Forestry, Foresters´ Association, Rangers´ Association and National Academy for Science and Technology (NAST) too have opposed the ministry´s proposal to burn the remains. These organizations have even questioned the record details of the remains maintained by various district forest offices.
MoFSC and WWF on the other hand have argued that since security cannot be provided, it is best to get rid of the remains. WWF has said that if the remains are burnt down chances of corruption too is minimized.
"We cannot adopt wait and watch attitude all the time," Bohara told myrepublica.com on Monday. He added, "We will do as the committee formed for this purpose will recommend within a week."
The horns alone are said to be worth Rs 1 billion.
akanshya@myrepublica.com
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