Chinmaya IAS Academy – Current Affairs Chinmaya IAS Academy – Current Affairs
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- According to the recent data by the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) and State Forest and Police Authorities, in the past three years (2018-2020), about 2054 cases were registered for killing or illegal trafficking of wild animals in India.
- In order to control this, the WCCB has conducted a number of species-specific enforcement operations with coordination of State Enforcement Agencies.
- WCCB 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 has its headquarter in New Delhi.
Important points:
- Species face extinction because of demands arising out of illegal wildlife trade.
- Overexploitation of the wildlife resources due to its illegal trade creates imbalances in the ecosystem.
- Illegal wildlife trade as part of the illegal trade syndicates undermines the economy of the country and thereby creates social insecurity.
- Wild plants that provide genetic variation for crops (natural source for many medicines) are threatened by the illegal trade.
Constitutional Provisions:
- The 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, Forests and Protection of Wild Animals and Birds was transferred from State to Concurrent List.
- Article 51 A (g) of the Constitution states that it shall be the fundamental duty of every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment including forests and Wildlife.
- Article 48 A in the Directive Principles of State policy, mandates that the State shall endeavor to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country.
SOURCE: THE HINDU,THE ECONOMIC TIMES,MINT
