Sun Sep 21 14:10:03 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The Kerala government’s recent amendments to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, allowing for the culling of wild animals straying into human habitats, have sparked controversy. Simultaneously, Ayurvedic medicine manufacturers in the state are seeking legal avenues to benefit from a central amendment from 2023 that permits the incineration of horns and tusks from dead animals. These manufacturers desire access to the ash (“bhasmam”) from these incinerated animal parts, a key ingredient in some Ayurvedic medicines, including those with export potential. Forest department officials, however, cite legal constraints that may prevent them from releasing the ash for medicinal purposes, emphasizing the strict protocols and committee oversight required for incineration.

**News Article:**

**Kerala’s Ayurvedic Industry Eyeing Incinerated Wildlife Remains Amid Culling Debate**

**Kozhikode, India – September 21, 2025** – As controversy swirls around the Kerala government’s new allowances for culling wild animals encroaching on human settlements, the state’s Ayurvedic medicine manufacturers are exploring legal possibilities to access a valuable resource: the ashes of incinerated animal horns and tusks.

A 2023 amendment to the Wildlife (Protection) Act permits the incineration of seized horns, antlers, and tusks of dead animals, previously stockpiled by the Forest Department. The Ayurvedic Medicine Manufacturers Organisation of India (AMMOI) sees an opportunity. They claim the “bhasmam,” or ash, derived from these animal parts, is a crucial component in several Ayurvedic medicines, including those with significant export potential.

“We are exploring all legal options to secure access to this ash, which is currently in short supply,” said D. Ramanathan, General Secretary of AMMOI.

However, the path is not clear. Forest Department officials have expressed reservations, citing the strict legal framework governing the incineration process. According to the Act, the incineration must be overseen by a committee comprised of forest officials, local government representatives, revenue officers, and wildlife experts, who must then submit a detailed report.

“While we understand the industry’s interest, providing the ash for manufacturing Ayurvedic medicines may not be legally feasible under the current regulations,” stated a Forest Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The debate unfolds as Kerala grapples with increasing human-wildlife conflict, triggering the recent amendments allowing for culling. Whether the state can balance conservation efforts with the needs of its traditional medicine industry remains to be seen.

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