On the occasion of World Rhino Day 2021, the Government of Assam took a very radical step towards the conservation of the one horned rhinoceros. Nearly two and a half thousand rhino horns were burned in a public event in the Bokakhat Stadium today.
These rhino horns were recovered from various sources like poachers, natural deaths of rhinos over the years. They were stored at various treasuries across different districts of the state of Assam. And they were verified properly for the quality and the history.
The incineration of the horns was done today after almost one month of the start of the verification process. During this time all stored ones were brought to centralized locations and verified for authenticity. After saving the necessary ones for educational and research purposes, the rest were incinerated today. The whole event was held in the presence of the Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma and Forest and Environment minister Parimal Suklabaidya, among several other dignitaries. Press and public were also present during this program.
A proper verification of these horns was never done before. they were usually confiscated and stored under strict supervision in the treasuries for safe keeping.
