Blind faith kills birds, animals
Lucknow: Traditional medicine and superstition is rapidly causing depletion in the various species of birds and animals in Uttar Pradesh.
According to zoological experts, superstitious beliefs are responsible for killing thousands of birds and animals each year, leading certain species to the brink of extinction.
According to Dr R.S. Chaurasia, a zoological expert, a recent study conducted by a group of students has shown this alarming trend that is now moving towards the urban centres.
“Traditional medicine and superstition is no longer confined to the rural interiors and people living in cities are also adopting this which spells further threat to birds and animals,” he said.
Explaining how superstition is adversely impacting birds and animals, Dr Chaurasia said that patients suffering from paralysis in the rural areas are advised to rub fresh blood of wild pigeons. “People wring the necks of wild pigeons and rub fresh blood on the paralysed parts of the body and they swear that the treatment works wonders. Patients in cities like Lucknow and Kanpur are now adopting this treatment and the result is that wild pigeons are being sold at a premium,” he said.
The meat of tortoise and turtle is believed to be a strong aphrodisiac and at least two prominent politicians in Lucknow are known to be extremely fond of turtle meat. “One of the main reasons for largescale smuggling of turtle/tortoise is the growing demand for it. Smugglers make huge profits and this illegal trade is conducted across the UP-Nepal border,” admits a senior police official. Another bizarre prescription that guarantees to increase growth and vitality in children is a churan made out of the bones of monkeys.
“This is very expensive and its availability is restricted. We get it from South India because killing monkeys is a religious taboo in the north,” says Vaidya Mukund Bihari who practises traditional medicine.
The vaidya also treated jaundice with the hoof of horses and nails of dogs. “It is tested prescription for liver disorders including jaundice,” he insists and adds that a powder made from the tongue of a donkey helps in curing epilepsy. Apart from traditional medicine, superstition also plays a killer for brides and animals.
Owls are also sacrificed in large numbers on a pre-Diwali night by tantriks and those who practise black magic.
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