The TRAFFIC report on an assessment of the domestic ivory carving industry and trade controls in India stated that illicit trade in ivory tusks continues in ia despite a nationwide ban since the seventies. Investigations revealed that though the trade continues to be rampant, it has now largely shifted underground, hindering law enforcement efforts.
“As long as these stocks exist, there will be scope for at least a part of them to reach the black market,” the report said.
Forest department officials said it was unlikely that ivory stocks had reached the black market as they were well guarded in the treasury. “There have been no cases of looting from the treasury,” an official said.
Kaziranga national park field director N.P. Vasu said all seized ivory items had been sent to the state treasury. The park also has a strong room where the seized stock can be kept.
The report said it was essential for the government-held and privately-owned ivory stocks to be registered and kept under tight security to ensure that they are properly accounted for.