The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 is an important legislation in India that provides for the protection of wild animals and plants, and regulates their hunting, trade, and transportation. The Act was enacted on August 9, 1972, and has been amended several times to strengthen the provisions for wildlife conservation.
Objectives of the Wildlife (Protection) Act are:
- To provide for the protection of wild animals, birds, and plants and their habitats.
- To regulate the hunting, trapping, and trade of wild animals and birds.
- To establish national parks, sanctuaries, and other protected areas for the conservation of wildlife.
- To promote public awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation.
The Act defines wildlife as any animal, bird, or plant, which is found in a wild state and includes any part, product, or derivative thereof. The Act provides for the protection of all wild animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, as well as plants and their habitats.
The Act prohibits hunting, trapping, or killing of any wild animal, except under certain conditions, such as for scientific research or to prevent damage to property. It also prohibits the trade or transport of any wild animal, bird, or plant, or their products, without a valid license or permit. The Act provides for the establishment of wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, and other protected areas for the conservation of wildlife and their habitats. It also provides for the declaration of certain animals as protected, endangered, or threatened species, and imposes strict penalties for their hunting, trapping, or killing.
The Act also provides for the establishment of the Central Zoo Authority, which regulates the establishment and management of zoos in the country. It also prohibits the capture or transfer of any wild animal for the purpose of exhibition in a zoo, circus, or any other entertainment venue, except under certain conditions.
The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 has been amended several times to strengthen its provisions for wildlife conservation. The amendments have included the inclusion of new species under the protected list, increasing penalties for violations, and providing for the establishment of wildlife crime control bureaus to prevent and investigate wildlife crimes.
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 Responsibilities and Accountabilities
The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 lays out specific responsibilities and accountabilities for various stakeholders involved in wildlife conservation in India. Some of the key responsibilities and accountabilities are outlined below:
- Central Government: The Central Government is responsible for the overall administration and enforcement of the Act. It is responsible for declaring certain species as protected, endangered, or threatened, and for establishing national parks, sanctuaries, and other protected areas for the conservation of wildlife. It also has the power to issue licenses and permits for the hunting, trapping, and trade of certain species under certain conditions. The Central Government is accountable for the effective implementation of the Act and for ensuring that all the provisions of the Act are followed.
- State Governments: The State Governments are responsible for implementing the provisions of the Act within their respective states. They are responsible for the management and protection of wildlife and their habitats, including the establishment and management of protected areas and sanctuaries. They are also responsible for issuing licenses and permits for hunting, trapping, and trade of certain species under certain conditions. The State Governments are accountable for the effective implementation of the Act within their jurisdiction and for ensuring that all the provisions of the Act are followed.
- Wildlife Wardens: The Wildlife Wardens are appointed by the State Governments and are responsible for the protection and management of wildlife within their respective areas of jurisdiction. They are responsible for enforcing the provisions of the Act, including the prevention of hunting, poaching, and illegal trade of wildlife. They are also responsible for the management of protected areas and sanctuaries and for the conservation of wildlife and their habitats. The Wildlife Wardens are accountable for the effective implementation of the Act within their jurisdiction and for ensuring that all the provisions of the Act are followed.
- Forest Officers: Forest Officers are responsible for the management of forests and wildlife within their respective areas of jurisdiction. They work closely with Wildlife Wardens to protect and manage wildlife and their habitats, and to enforce the provisions of the Act. They are also responsible for the prevention of forest offences, including the destruction of forests and the illegal felling of trees. Forest Officers are accountable for the effective implementation of the Act within their jurisdiction and for ensuring that all the provisions of the Act are followed.
- NGOs and Conservation Organizations: NGOs and conservation organizations play an important role in wildlife conservation in India. They work towards creating public awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation and for the protection of wildlife and their habitats. They also work with government agencies to implement conservation programmes and to monitor and report on wildlife crimes. NGOs and conservation organizations are accountable for the effective implementation of their programmes and for ensuring that they align with the provisions of the Act.
- Individuals: Individuals have a responsibility to abide by the provisions of the Act and to ensure that they do not engage in any activities that may harm wildlife or their habitats. This includes refraining from hunting, trapping, or trading of protected species, and from destroying or damaging their habitats. Individuals are accountable for their actions and can be held liable for any violations of the Act.