Kerala's Wildlife Protection Bill Sparks Debate Amid Legal Concerns
The Kerala assembly introduced amendments to the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, aiming to mitigate human-animal conflicts by empowering state authorities to act more swiftly. Concerns were raised about the amendments' legal standing, sparking debate between the ruling government and opposition regarding compliance with the central law.
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In a bid to address rising human-animal conflicts, the Kerala assembly introduced amendments to the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, on Thursday. The proposed amendments empower the state's Chief Wildlife Warden to swiftly act against wild animals threatening human life, allowing immediate actions such as culling.
Despite its intentions, the bill has sparked controversy, primarily concerning its legal standing. The opposition UDF questioned whether the state's amendments could overrule existing central legislation. The state government, however, argued that with the President's assent, the law would be applicable within Kerala itself.
As debates continue, the bill has been sent to a dedicated subject committee for further evaluation. The state government remains committed to pursuing approval, signaling readiness to work with opposition parties to see the amendments enacted.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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