Lok Sabha passes landmark bill to safeguard wildlife

HT’s report on LS clearing the bill, which paved way for wildlife conservation in India

- HT Correspondent

the Lok Sabha passed the Wildlife (Protection) Bill, legislation that moved India's trajectory from a nation of rampant hunting, to a country renowned for its habitats for wildlife, especially tigers and elephants.

At least 3,167 tigers roam the sprawling forests of India, which is home to more than 70% of the world’s wild tiger population, according to a 2022 tiger estimate.

India also holds 60% of the global wild elephant population; 33 elephant reserves and 150 elephant corridors.

"Despite general welcome to the measure, there were suggestions for referring the Bill to a select committee for a closer examination of its provisions. But Mr Sher Singh, Minister of State for Agriculture, who piloted the Bill, disagreed. He said the urgency of the measure should be evident from the fact that in two days since the Bill was introduced seven rhinos were killed by people who wanted to beat the law," HT reported in its August 22, 1972 edition.

The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 has been amended several times since. The significant 2022 amendment focused on implementing The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and strengthening penalties for violations.

When the bill was floated in 1972, Indian wildlife was in desperate need of attention and protection.