Objective
● The main objective of The Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Bill, 2022 is to
strengthening the protection of endangered species and increasing the penalty
for illegal wildlife trade, was adopted in the Rajya Sabha by a voice vote on 8th
Dec. 2022, Thursday.
● It includes certain authorized activities such as grazing or moving livestock
and the authentic use of drinking and domestic water by local communities.
● It is essential because it also instils in itself the protection of the rights of
persons who have lived there for centuries.
Description
The Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Bill, which was approved by the Lok Sabha on August 2nd, 2022, during the
monsoon, was introduced by the Minister of Environment and Forests Mr. Bhupender
Yadav.
Mr. Yadav stated that India was a signatory to the Convention on International Trade
in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora which required certain
legislative action.
The legislation, which was reviewed by a parliamentary committee, aims to
conserve and protect wildlife through better management of protected areas and
rationalize schedules which list out species under the Wildlife (Protection) Act,
1972.
Member of Congress Rajya Mr. Sabha Kumar Ketkar claimed that “real estate
sharks” and corporations destroy forests and create problems for wildlife.
Mr. Jairam Ramesh opposed the bill in its current form and expressed his
apprehension about the provision dealing with the transport of live captive
elephants for any other reason, saying it could be used inappropriately.
Meanwhile, Smt. Sushmita Dev of the Trinamool Congress said the amendment
provided great discretion for the transport of live elephants and raised concerns
about the protection of the animal. She stated that the amendment contravenes
Section 27 of the Act.