Wildlife conservationists and activists have raised a red flag over the Karnataka government’s proposal to bring in a voluntary disclosure policy to facilitate those illegally owning wildlife artefacts to surrender the items to the Forest Department.
After Big Boss contestant and bull race organiser Varthur Santosh was arrested from the sets of the reality show, the department received a flood of complaints against those owing tiger claw pendants, including prominent personalities such as former brand ambassador of the department and actor Darshan Thoogudeepa and actor and Rajya Sabha member Jaggesh.
Wildlife conservationists say that the government was treading the wrong path by deciding to open a voluntary disclosure window as it has serious implications in the wildlife trade which is estimated to be $20 billion internationally. Instead, the government should take this opportunity to crack down on the trade, finding the trade route end to end. The experts also expressed apprehension saying the legal framework may not allow the State to create a fresh window for surrendering these artefacts without penal action.
