The illegal trading of flora and fauna poses a significant threat to biodiversity and ecological balance. However, as per the records of the Wild Life Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), there has been no increase in the number of cases related to illegal wildlife trade during the last three years. This information was provided by the Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
Posted On: 16 DEC 2024 4:12 PM by PIB Delhi
Steps Taken by the Government to Control Illegal Wildlife Trade
The Government of India has implemented several measures to curb illegal wildlife trade effectively. These include:
- Amendments to the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972: The Act has been updated periodically to ensure better protection and conservation of wildlife.
- Establishment of the Wild Life Crime Control Bureau (WCCB): The WCCB has been set up to combat illegal wildlife trade and its derivatives.
- Global Collaboration: The WCCB participates in international operations in coordination with INTERPOL to combat cross-border wildlife crimes.
- Capacity Building Programs: Sensitization and capacity-building programs are conducted by WCCB for enforcement agencies, including State Police and Forest Department officials, to enhance their ability to combat wildlife crime.
- CITES Membership: India is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which regulates international trade in wildlife and its derivatives.
- Integration of CITES into National Law: Provisions of CITES have been incorporated into the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Financial and Technical Assistance: Under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats, financial and technical support is provided to States/Union Territories for better conservation and management of wildlife and their habitats.
- National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA): The NTCA has been established to conserve tigers and their habitats.
Arrests Related to Illegal Wildlife Trade
Below is a summary of arrests made in various states in connection with illegal wildlife trade over the last three years:
| State | 2021-22 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | 12 | – | 2 |
| Assam | 38 | 31 | 19 |
| Bihar | 13 | 5 | 11 |
| Chhattisgarh | 15 | 19 | 10 |
| Delhi | 13 | 8 | 4 |
| Gujarat | 2 | 15 | 15 |
| Kerala | 20 | 3 | 14 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 46 | 40 | 31 |
| Maharashtra | 38 | 18 | 15 |
| Odisha | 25 | 30 | 19 |
| Rajasthan | 12 | 10 | 7 |
| Tamil Nadu | 30 | 40 | 29 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 45 | 22 | 24 |
| West Bengal | 49 | 28 | 38 |
Other states with lower numbers of arrests also contribute to the collective effort of curbing illegal trade through active monitoring and enforcement.
Challenges and Way Forward
Despite the robust legal framework and proactive measures, challenges remain in curbing illegal trade of wildlife crime entirely. Increased public awareness, enhanced inter-agency cooperation, and the use of advanced technologies for monitoring and enforcement are essential for achieving long-term success in combating illegal wildlife trade.
The Government of India remains committed to protecting the nation’s rich biodiversity and ensuring strict enforcement of wildlife protection laws.
