The Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022, which amends the Wild Life (Protection) Act of 1972, will take effect from April 1, 2023.
On March 23, a notification in this regard was released in the official gazette.
The Amendment Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha during the Monsoon Session of Parliament on August 2, 2022, and by the Rajya Sabha on December 8, 2022, during the Winter Session.
The Act aims to carry out India’s commitments under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which requires governments to control trading in all listed species via licenses.
To that end, a new Chapter VB titled ‘Regulation of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora as per the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora’ has been introduced.
Furthermore, the Act’s long title has been changed to include aspects of conservation and management of species covered by the Act. The words “conservation, protection, and management of wild life” have been substituted for “protection of wild animals, birds, and plants.”
The modifications aim to improve protected area management by allowing local residents to engage in activities like as grazing and water use.
It also seeks to enhance the treatment of confiscated live animals and the disposal of seized wildlife parts and goods by rationalizing and amending the Schedules that classify wildlife species for clarity.
In addition, the Bill authorizes persons with legitimate ownership certificates to transfer or transport captive elephants for religious or other reasons, subject to Central Government regulations.
Critics, however, have expressed concerns about the provision’s possible ambiguity in terms of elephant preservation and trading.
