Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.

GS-3

5.WILDLIFE CRIME CONTROL BUREAU (WCCB)

Wildlife Crime Control Bureau busts wildlife trafficking syndicates in Jammu & Kashmir.

About the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau:

•  It is a statutory multi-disciplinary body established by the Government of India under the Ministry of Environment and Forests, to combat organized wildlife crime in the country.
•  It is headquartered in New Delhi with regional, sub-regional offices and border units.

Under Section 38 (Z) of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, it is mandated to:

• Collect and collate intelligence related to organized wildlife crime activities
• Disseminate the same to State and other enforcement agencies for immediate action so as to apprehend the criminals
•  Establish a centralized wildlife crime data bank
• Coordinate actions by various agencies in connection with the enforcement of the provisions of the Act
•  Assist foreign authorities and international organization concerned to facilitate coordination and universal action for wildlife crime control
•  Capacity building of the wildlife crime enforcement agencies for a scientific and professional investigation into wildlife crimes and assist State Governments to ensure success in prosecutions related to wildlife crimes
•  Advise the Government of India on issues relating to wildlife crimes having national and international ramifications, relevant policy and laws
•  It also assists and advises the Customs authorities in inspection of the consignments of flora & fauna as per the provisions of Wild Life Protection Act, CITES and EXIM Policy governing such an item.
•  The GOI notified the Board’s formation in 2007 and it became operational in 2008.
•  It was created based on the recommendations of the Committee on “Prevention of Illegal Trade in Wildlife and Wildlife Products” (1994) headed by Dr. S. Subramaniam.

SOURCE: PIB