Environment Ministry to Amend the Wildlife Act
Context:
In December 2021, the Union environment ministry announced a plan to amend the Wildlife Act.
- The Act has been amended several times, in 1982, 1986, 1991, 1993, 2002, 2006 and 2013.
Changes proposed
The proposed amendment is likely the most expensive so far in scope: it covers more areas of legislation, from trade in wild species to permitting filmmaking in protected areas and controlling the spread of invasive species.
Positives
- The Bill increases penalties for wildlife crimes. For example, offences that attracted a fine of Rs 25,000 now attract Rs 1 lakh.
- There’s a new and separate chapter on regulating species involved in international trade according to the CITES treaty.
- The Bill prohibits possessing, trading and breeding species without prior permissions from CITES authorities.
- The Bill also recognises threats that invasive alien species pose.
In 1972, Parliament enacted the Wild Life Act (Protection) Act
The Wild Life Act provides for:
- state wildlife advisory boards,
- regulations for hunting wild animals and birds
- establishment of sanctuaries and national parks
- regulations for trade in wild animals, animal products and trophies
- judicially imposed penalties for violating the Act
- Harming endangered species listed in Schedule I of the Act is prohibited throughout India.
- Hunting species, like those requiring special protection (Schedule II), big game (Schedule III), and small game (Schedule IV), is regulated through licensing.
- A few species classified as vermin (Schedule V), may be hunted without restrictions.
- Wildlife wardens and their staff administer the act.
- An amendment to the Act in 1982, introduced a provision permitting the capture and transportation of wild animals for the scientific management of the animal population.
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