The Rajya Sabha passed the Wild Life (Protection), Amendment Bill, 2022

On Thursday, the Rajya Sabha passed the Wild Life (Protection), Amendment Bill, 2022, amending the Wild Life (Protection) Act of 1972.

It was passed by the Lok Sabha during the Monsoon Session on August 2, 2022.

This bill aims to fulfill India's obligations under CITES, which mandates countries to regulate the trade of all listed specimens through permits.

A new Chapter VB titled 'Regulation of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora in accordance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora' has been added to serve this purpose.

A number of aspects of the conservation and management of species covered by the Act have been incorporated into the long title of the Act.

By providing for certain permitted activities, like grazing and livestock movement, and bona fide use of drinking and household water, the Bill seeks to improve the management of protected areas.

The plan also proposes to simplify and amend wildlife species identification schedules, improve care for seized animals, and dispose of wildlife parts and products seized from wildlife.

In addition, it allows persons with ownership certificates to transfer or transport live elephants according to conditions prescribed by the Central government.

It has been argued that this provision creates ambiguity regarding elephant protection and trade.