The Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Bill, 2021 has recently been passed by Lok Sabha through a voice vote. The purpose of the Bill is to facilitate the implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This amendment seeks to enhance species protection under law and regulate the international trade of wild animals and plants.
About the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Bill, 2021
Introduced in the Lok Sabha by the Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on 17th December 2021, the Bill aims to amend the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. Central to the Bill is the endeavour to increase the number of species safeguarded under the Act and implement CITES provisions effectively.
Features of the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Bill, 2021
The Bill outlines the establishment of a Management Authority by the central government. This authority is tasked with granting export or import permits for specimen trading. It also prohibits tampering with or removal of specimen identification marks. Furthermore, it sets up a Scientific Authority that will advise on trade impacts on specimen survival.
Changes to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
The Act currently consists of six schedules aimed at protecting particular plants and animals, along with vermin species. The amendment Bill streamlines these schedules into four, classifying species based on protection levels and removing the schedule for vermin species. A novel schedule for specimens listed in the Appendices under CITES (scheduled specimens) has been introduced.
Dealing with Invasive Alien Species
Invasive alien species have potential negative impacts on native wildlife or their habitats. The Bill empowers the central government to regulate or prohibit import of such species and authorises officers to seize and dispose of them.
Control and Management of Sanctuaries
Management, control, and maintenance of all sanctuaries in a state are the responsibility of the Chief Wildlife Warden, who is appointed by the state government. The Bill mandates that the Chief Warden’s actions align with sanctuary management plans prepared under central government guidelines.
Establishment of Conservation Reserves
Although state governments can declare areas adjacent to national parks and sanctuaries as conservation reserves, the Bill extends this power to the central government as well, assuring protection for flora, fauna, and their habitats.
Penalty Provisions
Violations of the Act’s provisions under 1972 and the 2021 Bill differ in terms of the monetary fines imposed. While the previous Act prescribed a general violation fine of up to Rs 25,000, the new Bill raises this to Rs 1,00,000. Penalties for violating the protection of specifically protected animals have also increased from Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000.
Understanding the Wildlife (Protection) Act,1972
The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 provided a legal framework for safeguarding various species of wild animals and plants, managing their habitats, and controlling trade in wildlife and associated products. Different schedules of plants and animals are enlisted in the Act, each with varying degrees of protection and government monitoring. The Act has been amended multiple times to adapt to changing needs, with the last revision happening in 2006.
Previous Year Questions (PYQs) from UPSC Civil Services Examination
In the 2020 UPSC examination, candidates were asked about the implications of placing a specific plant species under Schedule VI of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The correct answer was that a license is required to cultivate that plant. This demonstrates the Act’s direct impact on the cultivation and protection of certain plant species.
Last Modified: February 18, 2024