The Lok Sabha passed a bill on August 2 that seeks to amend the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, by inserting a new chapter to ensure proper implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav stated in his response to the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Bill, 2021 debate that development and environmental protection were not mutually exclusive.
He stated that appropriate development work can be carried out while keeping environmental concerns in mind. He stated that environmental conservation is the government’s constitutional duty. He also stated that the government is dedicated to wildlife conservation.
52 tiger reserves in India
According to the minister, the country’s protected areas have increased from 693 to 987 in the last eight years, including 52 tiger reserves. He stated that the government operates on the Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam principle.
In response to some members from West Bengal, Yadav stated that protecting the Sundarbans is the government’s constitutional responsibility.
The Wild Life (Protection) Act of 1972 (the Act) provides for the protection of wild animals, birds, and plants, as well as matters related to, ancillary to, or incidental to ensuring the country’s ecological and
environmental security.
India is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (the Convention), which mandates that appropriate measures be taken to enforce the Convention’s provisions.
Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Bill 2021
The Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Bill 2021 seeks to amend the 1972 Wild Life (Protection) Act. It proposes to amend the Act’s preamble to include the aspects of “conservation” and “management” of wildlife covered by the Act, as well as to rationalise and amend the Act’s Schedules for clarity.
It also proposes to include a new chapter for proper implementation of the Convention’s provisions in India, provisions for controlling invasive alien species, and a provision allowing State Boards for Wild Life to form Standing Committees.
The bill proposes changes to improve the management of protected areas. It seeks to insert an explanation to provide that certain permitted activities, such as livestock grazing or movement, and legitimate use of drinking and household water by local communities, are not prohibited under Section 29 of the Act.
It also seeks to insert provisions for better care of seized live animals and disposal of seized wildlife parts and products, to allow for transfer or transport of live elephants by a person having ownership certificates in accordance with conditions prescribed by the Central Government.
