Committee to oversee transfer and import of captive wild animals in India

Committee to oversee transfer and import of captive wild animals in India

Subject : Environment

Section: Environmental  Laws

Context: Supreme Court has increased the jurisdiction and powers of a high-powered committee led by its former judge, Justice Deepak Verma, to conduct necessary checks and undertake fact-finding exercises concerning the import, transfer, procurement, rescue and rehabilitation of wild animals, including those in captivity, across India.

More on the News:

• The court directed that State and Central authorities should “forthwith report seizure of wild animals or abandonment of captive wild animals to the committee and the committee shall be at liberty to recommend transfer of ownership of captive animals or of seized wild animals to any willing rescue center or zoo for their immediate welfare, care and rehabilitation”.
• The Committee may also consider the request for approval, dispute or grievance, concerning transfer or import into India or procurement or welfare of wild animals by any rescue or rehabilitation centre or zoo, by taking assistance and co-operation whenever needed from all departments and authorities across India.
• Now, the Chief Wildlife Wardens of the States would be co-opted as members of the committee. The other designated members of the committee include the Director General of Forests (Union of India), Head of Project Elephant Division (MoEF) and Member Secretary (Central Zoo Authority of India).

Chief Wildlife Wardens

• Chief Wildlife Wardens are senior officials responsible for the management and protection of wildlife in their respective states in India.
• Appointment:
• The appointment of Chief Wildlife Wardens in India is governed by the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• According to the Act, the Chief Wildlife Warden for each state is appointed by the state government in consultation with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Central Government.
• The appointment of the Chief Wildlife Warden is typically made from within the Indian Forest Service (IFS) and the officer must have a minimum of 10 years of experience in forest and wildlife management.

Functions of Chief Wildlife Wardens

• Implementation of wildlife conservation and management programs: The Chief Wildlife Warden is responsible for implementing wildlife conservation and management programs in their state, including the protection of endangered species, the control of poaching and illegal wildlife trade, and the management of wildlife habitats and protected areas.
• Coordination with other government agencies and stakeholders: The Chief Wildlife Warden works closely with other government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and local communities to promote sustainable wildlife management practices and to raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation.
• Enforcement of wildlife laws and regulations: The Chief Wildlife Warden is responsible for enforcing wildlife laws and regulations in their state and coordinating with law enforcement agencies to prevent wildlife crimes.
• Representation in national and international forums: The Chief Wildlife Warden serves as the nodal officer for wildlife-related matters in their state and represents the state government in national and international forums related to wildlife conservation.
• Management of human-wildlife conflicts: The Chief Wildlife Warden is responsible for managing conflicts between wildlife and humans in their state, including the prevention of crop and property damage and the prevention of human-wildlife conflicts.

Power of Chief Wildlife Wardens

• To grant or refuse permission for wildlife-related activities: The Chief Wildlife Warden has the power to grant or refuse permission for various wildlife-related activities, such as wildlife research, wildlife tourism, hunting, and trade in wildlife specimens.
• To issue licenses and permits: The Chief Wildlife Warden has the power to issue licenses and permits for various wildlife-related activities, such as hunting, trade, and captive breeding.
• To arrest and prosecute offenders: The Chief Wildlife Warden has the power to arrest and prosecute offenders who violate wildlife laws and regulations.
• To confiscate wildlife specimens and equipment: The Chief Wildlife Warden has the power to confiscate wildlife specimens and equipment used in the commission of wildlife crimes.
• To manage wildlife habitats and protected areas: The Chief Wildlife Warden has the power to manage wildlife habitats and protected areas, including the power to declare protected areas and to regulate activities within such areas.
• To delegate duties and powers: The Chief Wildlife Warden has the power to delegate certain duties and powers to subordinate officers to carry out wildlife management and conservation programs.