Archive · 22 Aug 2026
Bengal to Burn Seized Wildlife Parts on World Rhino Day
On September 22, the Bengal forest department plans to burn wildlife parts seized during raids.
The date is World Rhino Day.
The items include rhino horns, elephant tusks, skins and antlers.
The public destruction will happen in Alipurduar.
Officials say they want people to see that these items will not be used or sold.
They also want to discourage poaching and wildlife smuggling.
A forest official said these crimes have been reported in north Bengal forests and national parks.
The official added that monitoring and awareness programs have helped reduce the illegal activities.
The Bengal forest department will publicly destroy seized wildlife parts on September 22, World Rhino Day.
The event will take place at a prominent location in Alipurduar.
Items to be destroyed include rhino horns, elephant tusks, animal skins, antlers and other body parts.
Forest Minister Manoj Oraon said the event is intended to demonstrate zero tolerance for poaching and wildlife trafficking.
A senior forester said monitoring and awareness campaigns have helped curb illegal wildlife activities in north Bengal.
- Who
- The Bengal forest department, led in the announcement by Forest Minister Manoj Oraon, will conduct the event.
- What
- Seized rhino horns, elephant tusks, animal skins, antlers and other wildlife parts will be publicly destroyed by burning.
- When
- September 22, World Rhino Day.
- Where
- A prominent location in Alipurduar.
- Why
- To demonstrate a zero-tolerance policy toward poaching and wildlife trafficking and discourage participation in those crimes.
- Event date
- September 22, World Rhino Day
- Location
- Alipurduar
- Organiser
- The Bengal forest department
- Items targeted
- Rhino horns, elephant tusks, animal skins, antlers and other wildlife body parts
- Stated purpose
- To publicly demonstrate opposition to poaching and wildlife smuggling
- Regional context
- Poaching has been reported in forests and national parks in north Bengal
- Reported progress
- Monitoring and awareness campaigns have helped curb illegal activities, according to a senior forester