Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022 to come into force from April 1, 2023

The Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022, which seeks to amend the Wild Life (Protection) Act of 1972, will come into force from April 1, 2023..A notification to this effect was published in the official gazette on March 23..The Amendment Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on August 2, 2022, during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, and by the Rajya Sabha on December 8, 2022, during the Winter Session..The Act seeks to give effect to India's obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which requires countries to regulate trade of all listed specimens through permits.For this purpose, a new Chapter VB has been added named, 'Regulation of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora as per Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora'..Further, the long title of the Act has been amended to incorporate aspects of conservation and management of species covered by the Act. The words "protection of wild animals, birds and plants", have been substituted by the words "conservation, protection and management of wild life.".The amendments aim to enhance the management of protected areas and allow certain activities such as grazing and use of water by local communities.It also proposes to rationalise and amend the Schedules that identify wildlife species for clarity, as well as to improve the care of seized live animals and the disposal of seized wildlife parts and products..Additionally, the Bill allows for the transfer or transport of captive elephants for religious or other purposes by individuals possessing valid ownership certificates, subject to conditions prescribed by the Central government. However, critics have raised concerns about the provision's potential ambiguity regarding elephant protection and trade..[Read Gazette Notification]