A bill which seeks to amend the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 for better implementation of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was introduced in Lok Sabha on Friday. The Wildlife Protection Amendment bill 2021 was introduced by Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav amid din created by the Opposition over the Lakhimpur Kheri violence issue.
According to the statement of objects and reasons of the bill, the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, was enacted to provide for the protection of wild animals, birds and plants with a view to ensure the ecological and environmental security of the country. The bill seeks to include the aspects of “conservation” and “management” of wildlife which are covered by the Act and make amendments for better management of protected areas.
It also proposes to rationalise and amend the schedules, which list out wildlife species, for the purposes of clarity, and ensure better care of seized live animals and disposal of seized wildlife parts and products. India is a party to the CITES which requires that appropriate measures are taken to enforce the provisions of the convention.