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.
Comments