Kerala amendment proposal
Kerala amendment move on wildlife protection law: The Kerala Cabinet has approved an amendment bill seeking changes to the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) 1972. This move is significant as it is the first time a state has proposed changes to a central wildlife law. The aim is to simplify procedures for eliminating wild animals that pose a threat to human life.
Powers to Chief Wildlife Warden
Under the approved bill, the Chief Wildlife Warden (CWW) will be empowered to order the killing of wild animals that attack people within human habitats. Currently, the WPA allows the CWW to issue permits for hunting animals listed in Schedule I, II, III, or IV only under specific conditions when they threaten human life.
Static GK fact: The Wildlife Protection Act was enacted in 1972 and came into force in 1973, establishing six schedules to regulate protection of species.
State authority over vermin declaration
Another major change is that the bill allows the state government to declare animals in Schedule II as vermin. At present, Section 62 of the WPA provides this power only to the central government. Once an animal is declared vermin, its killing becomes legal in specified areas for a limited time.
Static GK fact: Animals under Schedule V of the WPA are classified as vermin. This list has included species like rats, crows, and fruit bats.
Rising human-animal conflict
The push for this amendment comes amid an increase in human-animal conflicts in Kerala. Several reasons are behind the rise in such incidents.
Habitat loss
Rapid urbanisation, deforestation, and encroachment have reduced forest cover and blocked animal corridors, forcing species into human settlements.
Resource scarcity
Shortages of food and water in forests have led to animals raiding villages and farmlands, sparking frequent clashes.
Climate change impact
Extreme weather events are altering migration and breeding patterns. This has pushed elephants, leopards, and wild boars into populated areas.
Poaching and illegal trade
The illegal killing and trading of species has disturbed natural ecosystems, displacing animals and creating imbalances that aggravate conflicts.
Static GK Tip: India is home to 104 national parks and over 560 wildlife sanctuaries, covering about 5% of the geographical area.
Concerns and implications
The amendment is expected to trigger debates over conservation priorities versus human safety. While it empowers the state in handling conflicts swiftly, experts warn it could dilute the protective framework of the central law. It also raises questions about the balance between federal authority and state autonomy in environmental governance.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Kerala amendment move on wildlife protection law:
| Topic | Detail |
| State proposal | Kerala Cabinet approved amendment to WPA 1972 |
| Main aim | Simplify killing procedures for dangerous wild animals |
| New power | CWW can order killings in human habitats |
| Existing provision | CWW grants hunting permits under schedules I–IV |
| Vermin declaration | State govt allowed to declare Schedule II animals as vermin |
| Current rule | Section 62 empowers only central govt |
| Effect of vermin status | Legal killing in specified areas for limited time |
| Reason for amendment | Rising human-animal conflict in Kerala |
| Key causes | Habitat loss, resource scarcity, climate change, poaching |
| Wider concern | Balancing conservation with human safety |
