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NDTV
7 hours ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Kerala Seeks To Amend Wildlife Act To Allow Killing Of Animals. Reasons Explained
Kerala, a state known for its lush forests and biodiversity, has been grappling with a surge in human-wildlife conflicts. These conflicts have led to the loss of human lives, injuries, crop destruction, and economic hardship for farmers. To address this crisis, the Kerala government has been pushing for amendments to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (WLPA), seeking legal provisions to allow the controlled killing or culling of certain wild animals that pose threats to human life and livelihoods. The Forest and Wildlife Department has been tasked with initiating the process to seek central government approval for culling wild animals, such as wild boars, that pose a threat to public safety and livelihoods. The Forest Secretary has been directed to draft a legislative proposal in consultation with the Law Secretary to facilitate the necessary legal provisions, as per a report by Matrubhumi. Here's why Kerala is advocating for these changes: Kerala's unique geography, with nearly 30% of its land covered by forests, places human settlements near wildlife habitats. Rapid urbanisation, habitat degradation, changes in agricultural practices, and regional fluctuations in wildlife populations have also intensified human-wildlife conflicts. From 2016-17 to January 2025, wildlife attacks in Kerala resulted in 919 deaths and 8,967 injuries, according to government data. The state has identified 273 out of 941 village local bodies as human-wildlife conflict hotspots. Human-wildlife conflict: Frequent encounters between humans and wild animals, such as elephants, tigers, wild boars, macaques, peafowl and bison, have resulted in loss of human life and property damage. Crop damage: Wild animals, like elephants and wild boars, cause significant damage to crops, affecting farmers' livelihoods. Public safety concerns: The presence of certain wild animals like monkeys and porcupines in human-dominated areas poses a risk to public safety. What Does the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, Currently Allow? The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, is India's cornerstone legislation for protecting wildlife, prohibiting hunting and ensuring conservation of species and their habitats. It also includes provisions for dealing with animals that pose threats. Despite these provisions, the process is slow and bureaucratic. Only the CWLW, a senior state-level official, can authorise killing, leading to delays in addressing urgent threats. Non-lethal measures (capture, tranquilization, relocation) are prioritised, but these are often impractical due to logistical challenges or lack of suitable relocation sites. Court orders and guidelines from bodies like the National Tiger Conservation Authority and the Project Elephant Scheme further restrict lethal action. Why Kerala Finds the Current Law Inadequate? Kerala argues that the Wildlife (Protection) Act's stringent regulations and centralised decision-making hinder timely responses to human-wildlife conflicts. The exclusive authority of the Chief Wildlife Warden (CWLW) also creates bottlenecks. For instance, in remote areas like Wayanad, waiting for CWLW approval can delay action, endangering lives. In 2022, Kerala empowered local bodies to use licensed shooters to kill wild boars raiding crops. However, this measure failed due to a shortage of licensed shooters in rural areas and impractical guidelines, such as checking if a boar is pregnant before shooting. "Before shooting a wild boar, one has to examine whether it is pregnant or not. Such impractical guidelines have failed to serve the purpose. The growing population of wildlife has to be controlled to prevent threats to human lives," State Forest Minister A K Saseendran said. Here are other reasons: Declaring wild boars as vermin (under Section 62) was previously rejected by the central government, limiting the state's ability to control their population. Bonnet macaques, added to Schedule I in 2022, can no longer be captured or relocated without CWLW approval, despite their crop-raiding behaviour. Animals like elephants and tigers, protected under Schedule I, require exhaustive non-lethal measures before lethal action, even when they pose immediate threats. Crop losses (e.g., wild boars destroying up to 60% of yields in Wayanad) threaten food security and farmers' livelihoods. Fear of attacks has disrupted rural life, with 273 villages living under constant threat Proposed Amendments to the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1. Decentralising Authority: The proposal is to transfer the power to issue "kill permits" under Section 11(1)(A) and 11(1)(B) from the CWLW to Chief Conservators of Forests (CCFs). Notably, CCFs are senior officials stationed at regional levels, enabling faster, localised decision-making. This would streamline responses to wildlife threats, especially in conflict hotspots. 2. Declaring Wild Boars as Vermin: The government has proposed to declare wild boars as vermin under Section 62 for specific periods and regions, allowing controlled culling without legal repercussions. Wild boars are prolific breeders and cause widespread agricultural damage. Declaring them vermin would enable farmers and local bodies to manage their populations effectively. 3. Removing Bonnet Macaques from Schedule I: To allow capture and relocation without stringent approvals. 4. Legal Safeguards for Farmers and Officials: Protect farmers and field officers from prosecution when acting against wildlife threats, encouraging proactive measures. 5. Region-Specific Culling: Allow controlled culling of "man-eating" animals (e.g., tigers, leopards) in high-conflict zones, with clear guidelines to prevent misuse. Ethical Concerns Kerala's proposal to amend the Wildlife Protection Act to allow the culling of wild animals has sparked debates. Conservationists raise ethical concerns, citing potential harm to endangered species and ecosystems. Ecological experts warn of unintended population imbalances and emphasise addressing habitat degradation.
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Time of India
Forest dept: 31 tree violations in Vasant Vihar since 2021-22
New Delhi: Since 2021-22, a total of 31 cases have been registered under the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act, 1994, in Vasant Vihar, affecting 646 trees, the state Forest and Wildlife Department informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT). Offences include illegal felling, unauthorised pruning, and concreting around trees. This submission follows a plea by local resident Sanjeev Bagai, who approached the tribunal in 2023 over illegal tree pruning in the area. According to a reply dated May 21 by deputy conservator of forests (DCF) west, "During 2021-22, two cases of contravention were registered in Vasant Vihar, both related to unauthorised concretisation affecting 388 trees. Proceedings in one case are ongoing, while the other is under consideration for compounding under Section 21 of the Act." The report detailed the impact of tree-related offences over the years: In 2021-22, approximately 383 trees were affected due to Public Works Department (PWD) violations. In 2022-23, around 130 trees were impacted due to violations by the local Resident Welfare Association (RWA). In 2023-24, violations led by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) affected 25 trees, while PWD-related offences impacted 30 trees. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Bolsas nos olhos? (Tente isso hoje à noite) Revista Saúde & Beleza Saiba Mais Undo In 2022-23, 16 cases were registered, including five instances of illegal tree felling without permission, six of unauthorised pruning, two cases of prohibited concretisation, two of head back, and one involving damage to standing trees — cumulatively affecting at least 160 trees. Authorities took remedial actions such as compounding offences, issuing compensatory plantation orders for about 1,450 saplings, and imposing five-year maintenance obligations. For 2023-24, four cases were registered affecting 58 trees. In 2024-25, nine cases involving tree-related violations were recorded in Vasant Vihar, including four illegal tree cuttings, one case of root damage and head back, three instances of heavy pruning without approval, and one case of light pruning with unauthorised felling — impacting a total of 40 trees. Of these, eight cases are still pending. "The Tree Officer recommended compounding offences in 12 cases and issued compensatory plantation orders with long-term maintenance directions as per guidelines. Proceedings for pending cases are ongoing," the report concluded.
Hans India
24-05-2025
- Hans India
CM Yogi's green vision: Uttar Pradesh on track to become eco-tourism hotspot
Lucknow: In line with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's vision, the Forest and Wildlife Department of Uttar Pradesh is actively transforming the state into a hub of eco-tourism. Significantly, the department is working to preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of Uttar Pradesh, while launching new initiatives to promote sustainable tourism. One such initiative is the 'Buffer Mein Safar' (journey through the buffer zones) scheme. This scheme aims to ramp up tourist experiences in the buffer zones of tiger reserves across the state. As part of what is being seen as a big initiative, new safari routes are being developed in the buffer zones of Dudhwa, Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, and North Kheri. Areas such as Bhira and Mohammadi are being explored for new eco-tourism opportunities. The Forest and Wildlife department is also imparting training to residents so as to serve as guides, restaurant operators, and other tourism-related roles. This is how the department is aiming to promote local employment and skill development. The initiative is already showing positive results, with a significant rise in the number of eco-tourism visitors to the state in recent years. Tourists will now be able to enjoy safaris even during the monsoon season, as tiger reserves are being kept open for longer periods. In addition to the existing tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries, the Forest and Wildlife Department is also expanding eco-tourism prospects to new locations. In southern Kheri, tourist circuits have been developed in Gola, Mohammadi Range, and Bhira. The Semrai Lake, a known habitat for migratory birds, is also being included in the tourism circuit for birdwatching and nature excursions. Furthermore, jungle safaris have been initiated in the buffer zone of Katarniaghat, which lies close to the Nepal border. With its natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and abundance of wildlife, the area is expected to become a major attraction for tourists seeking an immersive nature experience. To support these efforts, a modern information centre has been established in the Dudhwa tourism complex. This centre will provide insights into local biodiversity, wildlife, and culture, as well as raise awareness about environmental conservation. Training programmes for nature guides, canteen staff, and cooks are also being conducted to ensure high-quality services for tourists. These initiatives are not only enhancing the skill sets of local youth but are also generating new employment and income opportunities. With sustained efforts and visionary leadership, Uttar Pradesh is steadily positioning itself as a leading eco-tourism destination both nationally and globally.
Indian Express
26-04-2025
- Automotive
- Indian Express
Soon, all-EV fleet at Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary to supply essentials to maintain ‘safe environment for animals'
The Delhi government is planning to replace all existing petrol, diesel, and CNG vehicles —such as trucks, jeeps, cars, motorcycles, and utility vehicles —that are currently used for supplying food, water, and other essentials at the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, with electric vehicles (EVs). The move comes in the wake of the observation that animals are in distress due to pollution. Delhi Forest and Wildlife Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Saturday said, 'There are about a hundred vehicles, including trucks and jeeps, being used in the wildlife sanctuary for the supply of food and water, as well as for other purposes. These vehicles are used for official purposes only, but we have observed that petrol and diesel vehicles negatively affect the environment and disturb the animals here.' 'Trucks and jeeps also create noise and vehicular pollution, which distresses the animals. There are a good number of leopards, deer, reptiles, and butterflies here, all of which roam freely. However, when they hear any noise, they either hide or lie down. To create a safer and more pleasant environment for both animals and visitors, and to boost tourism, the government plans to replace such vehicles with EVs,' he added. The Minister underlined that he has directed the officials concerned in the Forest and Wildlife Department to propose an EV fleet and develop charging stations within the next six months. 'The department also plans to hire e-golf carts and e-cycles for visitors. About 9-10 carts have already arrived and will soon be available for public use. We have also observed that e-trucks are available. Soon, the department will begin hiring e-vehicles,' said the Minister. The Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, located in South East Delhi, covers an area of 32 square kilometers, and sees tourist activities, such as birdwatching, nature walks, and Neeli Jheel drives. Under the birdwatching trail, there are the Blue Bull Trail (5 km), Sandgrouse Trail (3.5 km), Sparrow Trail (2.5 km), and Palash Trail (2 km). Commonly seen birds include Peafowl, Common Woodshrike, Sirkeer Malkoha, Indian Scops Owl, Black Eagles, and Oriental Scops Owl. The nature walk starts from the Tughlakabad Gate, which covers Butterfly Park (4 acres), Aravalli Forest Centre (4 acres), and a Jungle Walk (1.5 km). According to officials, the sanctuary is home to over 25 mammals, 240 reptiles, 86 butterfly species, 250 birds, and 15 species of dragonflies. Neelgai, golden jackals, mongooses, and spotted deer are among the animals found here.
