The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment, Forests, and Climate Change recently submitted its report on the proposed Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Bill, 2021. The report reveals that some species had been left out from different schedules of wildlife and plants that were proposed by the Environment Ministry. As a result, the committee has suggested a revised listing of these schedules to include these species.
Understanding The Wild Life (Protection) Act,1972
The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 provides an essential legal structure for protecting numerous species of wild animals and plants. It also manages their habitats and controls the trade in wild animals, plants, and products made from them. The Act lists schedules of plants and animals that receive varying degrees of protection and government monitoring. The Act has undergone several amendments over the years, with the last change enacted in 2006.
Main Features of the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Bill, 2021
One of the key aspects of the bill is the implementation of the provisions of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). In compliance with this, the central government appoints a Management Authority responsible for granting export or import permits for trading specimens.
Moreover, the Bill introduces the concept of a Scientific Authority proposed to provide advice on topics related to the impact on survival of specimens being traded. The Bill also aims to rationalize the schedules in the Act, reducing the total number from six to four.
Regulation of Invasive Alien Species
Under the proposed bill, the central government gains power to regulate or ban the import, trade, ownership, or proliferation of invasive alien species. These are plant or animal species non-native to India and whose introduction may cause adverse effects on local wildlife or its habitat.
Controlling Sanctuaries
The proposed bill puts the Chief Wild Life Warden in charge of controlling, managing, and maintaining all sanctuaries within a state, a position appointed by the state government. It’s worth noting that the Chief Warden’s actions should align with the management plans for the sanctuary.
Creating Conservation Reserves
The new bill allows the central government to notify an area as a conservation reserve. These areas are declared by the state government to protect flora, fauna, and their habitat located near national parks and sanctuaries.
Surrendering of Captive Animals and Increased Penalties
The bill has provisions for voluntarily surrendering captive animals or animal products to the Chief Wild Life Warden, without any compensation paid to the person surrendering such items. It also increases the fines for violations of the Act’s provisions compared to those specified in the 1972 Act.