Kerala government considers amending Wildlife Protection Act to address human-wildlife conflict
The Kerala government is considering an amendment to the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, to tackle specific challenges related to human-wildlife conflict. The proposed amendment would authorize the Chief Wildlife Warden to permit killing, tranquilizing, or capturing a wild animal if it causes serious injury or is found in a public place. Law Minister P. Rajeeve stated that the State government is competent to propose such an amendment to a Central law, which would require Presidential assent after being passed by the State Assembly, as per Article 254(2) of the Constitution. The State has long struggled with the Central law's limitations in managing this critical issue.
Key Points
- Kerala plans to amend the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, to better manage human-wildlife conflict.
- The proposed amendment would allow the Chief Wildlife Warden to authorize the killing, tranquilization, or capture of dangerous wild animals.
- The State government believes it is competent to amend a Central law on a Concurrent List subject, requiring Presidential assent.
- Human-wildlife conflict has reached a critical stage in Kerala, posing a serious threat to human welfare.
Exam Facts
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
- Article 254(2) of the Constitution allows State legislatures to pass laws on Concurrent List subjects.
- Kerala Law Minister P. Rajeeve.
- Kerala State Assembly passed a resolution in February 2024 urging the Centre to amend the WPA.
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