Centre mulls ban on trade in peacock feathers

KOCHI: It\'s time to dispose of peacock feathers and curios made out of it.



The move comes from the Ministry of Environment and Forests for protecting the national bird. So start packing the peacock feathers including its lovely bunches that find a place in homes.



But a lavattoms made of peacock feathers are here to stay.



The draft Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Bill, 2010 says that the feathers can be kept for religious purposes with the permission of the Chief Wildlife Warden. This exemption would make the use of a lavattoms in temple festivals including poorams legal.



The authorities had earlier contemplated a total ban on the trade of these feathers. This was following reports that the high demand for the feathers had led to rampant poaching and killing of the birds. Those who possess feathers of peacock and articles made of it should declare the number of tail feathers articles to the Chief Wildlife Warden within six months of commencement of the Act. The draft legislation also suggests that no person shall transfer or sell the feathers or articles made of it after that. Those in the business of selling articles will also be banned from carrying on the business.



The Ministry has also proposed that any person, dealer, trader or manufacturer, who immediately before the commencement of Act was carrying on the business or occupation, shall dispose of all items made from tail feathers of peacock and articles within 30 days from the commencement of the Act.