Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022
The Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Bill, 2022 marks a significant revision to India’s legal framework for biodiversity conservation. It was introduced in the Lok Sabha by the Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in December 2021 and was subsequently passed in August 2022. The Bill brings key updates to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, with an emphasis on expanding species protection and aligning Indian law with international conservation commitments.
Purpose and Objectives of the Amendment
The Amendment aims to:
- Expand the list of protected species
- Fulfill India’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
- Strengthen the management of wildlife habitats
- Address modern conservation challenges such as invasive alien species
Key Features of the Amendment
1. Implementation of CITES
The Bill incorporates provisions to implement CITES, an international treaty that ensures trade in wild animal and plant specimens does not endanger their survival.
- The central government is empowered to designate a Management Authority and a Scientific Authority for enforcing CITES regulations.
- Specimens may be marked with a unique identification tag, which cannot be altered or removed by individuals.
- Individuals in possession of live specimens of scheduled animals must obtain a registration certificate from the Management Authority.
2. Rationalization of Schedules:
The Amendment reorganizes the schedule structure under the Act:
- Reduces the total number of Schedules from six to four:
- Two Schedules for specially protected animals (based on level of protection)
- One Schedule for CITES-listed species
- Retains a Schedule for protected plants
- The Schedule for vermin species has been removed entirely.
- Reduces the total number of Schedules from six to four:
3. Regulation of Invasive Alien Species
- The Act introduces a legal mechanism to tackle threats from invasive alien species—non-native species that could disrupt native ecosystems.
- The central government is authorized to regulate or prohibit the import, trade, possession, or spread of such species.
4. Control and Management of Sanctuaries
- The responsibility for managing wildlife sanctuaries remains with the Chief Wildlife Warden, appointed by the state government.
- The Amendment mandates that all management actions be aligned with approved sanctuary management plans.
5. Declaration of Conservation Reserves
- Earlier, only state governments could declare conservation reserves—buffer zones around national parks and sanctuaries.
- The Amendment empowers the central government to also notify conservation reserves, enhancing the flexibility of conservation planning.
6. Surrender of Captive Wildlife
- Individuals may voluntarily surrender captive animals or animal-derived products to the authorities.
- No compensation will be granted for such surrenders.
- The surrendered items will become the property of the state government.