The Government of India has introduced in Lok Sabha the Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Bill,2021.
Purpose:
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The Bill seeks to amend the Wildlife Protection Act,1972.
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It seeks to ensure that the Wildlife Protection Act,1972 complies with the requirements of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Key provisions:
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Standing Committees of State Boards of Wildlife: The Bill proposes setting up of Standing Committees of State Boards of Wildlife. These committees will function like the National Board for Wildlife(NBWL). It will be able to make decisions on wildlife management and permissions granted for projects without having to refer most projects to the NBWL.
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Rationalisation of Schedules for Wildlife: The bill rationalises Schedules for Wildlife under the Act by bringing it down from 6 to 4 major schedules.
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Wildlife Management Plans: The Bill mandates that Wildlife Management Plans which are prepared for sanctuaries and national parks across the country will now become a part of the Wildlife Act. Further, they will have to be approved by the Chief Wildlife Warden of the state. This will ensure far stricter protection to these protected areas. Earlier, the plans were approved through executive orders.