Considering to review Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Govt

The government is considering a review of Wildlife Protection Act 1972 for more "effective" conservation of the wild flora and fauna, the Lok Sabha was told today.
The scope of protection of wild flora and fauna has changed over the years since the Act had been enacted, the Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave in a written reply.
"The Wildlife Protection Act 1972 provides for stringent punishment for hunting of wild animals. However, as the scope of protection of wild flora and fauna has changed over the years since the Act has been enacted, a review of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 is being considered for more effective protection and conservation of wildlife," Dave said.

Replying to another question, he said the Centre has accorded general approval under section 2 of the Forest Conservation Act 1980 for diversion of forest land for creation of critical public utility infrastructure by government departments involving not more than 5.00 hectares of forest land in each case in Left Extremism affected districts up to December 31, 2018.