Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Bill, 2022 passed in Rajya Sabha by voice-vote

The Rajya Sabha on Thursday passed the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Bill, 2022 to amend the Wild Life (Protection) Act of 1972, by voice vote. .The Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on August 2, 2022, during the Monsoon Session of Parliament.It 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'..The long title of the Act has been amended to incorporate aspects of conservation and management of species covered by the Act."In the long title of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 (hereinafter referred to as the principal Act), for the words "protection of wild animals, birds and plants", the words "conservation, protection and management of wild life" shall be substituted," the Bill reads..The Bill seeks better management of protected areas and provides for certain permitted activities like grazing, movement of livestock, and bona fide use of drinking and household 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..Moreover, it seeks to allow for transfer or transport of live elephants by persons having ownership certificates in accordance with conditions prescribed by the Central government. A new provision, Section 43(2) reads:“Provided that the transfer or transport of a captive elephant for a religious or any other purpose by a person having a valid certificate of ownership shall be subject to such terms and conditions as may be prescribed by the Central Government.”Critics have argued that this provision creates ambiguity when it comes to protection and trade of elephants..[Read Bill]