Cabinet may clear harsher punishment for poachers

In view of growing instances of crimes against wild animals,the government is likely to give its sanction to tougher punishments and enhanced powers to enforcement agencies to act against poachers and organised gangs engaged in wildlife crimes.

In view of growing instances of crimes against wild animals,the government is likely to give its sanction on Thursday to tougher punishments and enhanced powers to enforcement agencies to act against poachers and organised gangs engaged in wildlife crimes.

The Cabinet is expected to give its approval to crucial amendments in the Wildlife Protection Act,1972,that would make some offences against certain endangered animals,including illegal trade in wildlife products,punishable by at least seven years in prison or a fine up to Rs 25 lakh or both. As of now,the most serious crime is punishable by a maximum of six years in prison and a fine of at least Rs 25,000.

Most of the penal provisions in the current law are proposed to be enhanced significantly to crack down on wildlife poaching networks that are getting increasingly sophisticated in their organisation and operations. Some other amendments are aimed at increasing the efficiency of the procedure governing the prosecution of offences and empower officers who are crucial to the enforcement of the law.

The proposed amendments also seek a ban on trade in peacock tail feathers and articles made by them,a demand that has been made by a number of social and religious organisations. The sale,manufacture and use of leg-hold traps,frequently used by poachers to kill leopards and tigers,are also sought to be banned.

Another purpose of the amendments is to bring the law in accordance with Indias obligations to the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species that regulates the international trade in rare animals. This would include the creation of a management authority to regulate trade in exotic species of animals and plants that are alien to India,which may adversely affect the eco-systems of India if introduced.