Illegal Ivory Trade In India

Parneet Kaur Baidwan, B.A. LL.B (Hons.), Amity law school, Noida, Uttar Pradesh

ABSTRACT

Ivory trade is the commercial, often unlawful trade in the ivory tusks of various animals, most notably African and Asian elephants, but also hippopotamuses, walruses and narwhals.

Millions of elephants are killed each year for their tusks in the illegal ivory trade, which is a severe problem all around the world. Despite having a long history of ivory trade, India is regarded as one of the nations with a low incidence of illegal ivory trade because of its strong restrictions. The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau and Wildlife Crime Control Division are in charge of enforcing the regulations that the Indian government has passed to combat the illegal ivory trade. The illegal ivory trade remains a problem despite these measures. Despite worldwide restrictions on the sale of elephant ivory, illegal commerce is nonetheless supported by black market demand. Tusks are utilised in traditional medicine and ivory is carved, driving domestic and international demand for the trade. The problem is complicated and difficult to solve because of elements including poverty, resource scarcity, and corruption. In India, increased public awareness efforts, the provision of alternative economic possibilities, and strengthened law enforcement measures are all part of the effort to stop the illegal ivory trade. To solve the problem and save India's elephants and their habitats from exploitation, a diversified strategy is required. This research paper analyses the state of the illegal ivory trade in India, government policies, decisions made with regards to the issue and the result of the analysis conducted through research.