Thread by @debadityo

Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Bill 2022 just tabled in Rajya Sabha. The revised Bill was passed by Lok Sabha in last session-will be ineteresting to see how it gets debated in the RS. #Thread #ParliamentWinterSession
You can watch the debate here.-

Mr Vivek Tankha (INC) talking about Ecosensitive Zones ignored by the WPA Bill. Good to see the point being discussed in the parliament.

Dr Kanimozhi Somu (DMK) talking about the livelihood & cultural rights of indigenous people. Interesting to see her talking about role of different biogeographic zones & unique biodiversiry, sustainable tourism. Sadly she didnt comment anything on the Bill.

Mr Brijlal (BJP) spoke in length about the wildlife trade, invasive species & vermins. Also congratulated Assam CM for promoting agroforesty. But only praised the WPA Bill & didnt comment anything on the controversial amendments.

Ms Sulata Deo (BJP, Odisha) spoke so much about the widlife diversity of Odisha. Good to see she raising the issue of decreasing budget for Project Tiger, Elephant deaths from rail lines. She raises the point of human-elephant conflict, advocates for inter-state coordination.

She also didnt speak much against the WPA Bill. Now speaking Mr Ayodhya Rama Reddy (YSRCP, AP).

Good to see Mr Reddy speaking about the potential to exploit elephants in the new amendment. Spoke about the need of listing more species in the Schedule. Talked about the need to syn the bill with FC Act & EP Act  Also welcomed inclusion of CITES. However supported the Bill.

Mr Manoj Kumar Jha (RJD, Bihar) spoke about Cheetah Reintroduction & injustice to Seheriya tribal due to their displacement. Talks about misuse of the offenses under WPA against forest dweller.  No comments on the Bill.

Dr John Brittas (CPIM, Kerala). Opposed the Bill. Talked about distorting the federal structure through NBWL. Blames centre for blocking 'development'. Interestingly spoke about S 43(2) exception to captive elephants but only on federal issue of centre overriding state's power.

Dr Aneel Prasad Hegde (JDU, Bihar) talked about human-elephant conflict. But his speech revolved around the impact of herbicides & Genetically Modified crops on wildlife. Suggests GMO to be also listed as ‘Invasive Alien Species’.

Jose K Mani (KCM, Kerala). Totally neglected human-elephant conflict. Since 2011, 44875 instances reported from Kerala, more than 1000 people died in last decade. Declare wild boars as vermin. Set up tribunal to settle damages from human-elephant conflict, restrict animals to PAs

Missed the speech of KR Kumar (TDP, Andhra). Just now Ramji (BSP, UP) talked about increase in compensation for displacement. Highlights inconsistencies of compensations between States.Talks about legally protecting displacement from forests for commercial interests.

GK Vasan (TMCM, WB) talks about the potential of the clause on ‘vermin’ to hunt important species like Bengal Fox, Striped Hyena & other endangered species. However, welcomed the Bill.

Binoy Viswam (CPI, Kerala) opposes the bill and asks for sending it back to the Standing Committee.

Rakesh Sinha (BJP) responds to MK Jha (RJD)- ‘Seheriya tribe which struggled for food, now prospering after Cheetah Reintroduction in Kuno’. Justifies the WPA Bill on introduction of the chapter on CITES, managing invasive alien species.

The debate on WPA Bill will continue after 'Special Mentions'. Mr Jagdeep Dhankar (RS Chairman) to Biplob Deb (BJP, Tripura)- "This is our first day, we must set a very high standard".

The debate on WPA Bill resumed at 2 pm with Mr Rakesh Sinha continuing his speech. My colleague @shawshank_9 is live tweeting here

https://twitter.com/shawshank_9/status/1600773276569341954?t=N5ADLOKxS36x10X_jgtFog&s=19

Praful Patel (NCP): Should maintain fine balance between development & environment. There's a decline in number of prey in jungles hence wild animals are coming into the human area. Need for National policy for road development in Jungle.
via-

https://twitter.com/shawshank_9/status/1600775316523601920?t=EgqhbUGxu7-6B7Do9iCMEg&s=19

Kumar Ketkar (INC): Necessary to remember the history of the law before bringing such amendment. Indra Gandhi wanted protection of all animals
Strict law is useless if there's no implementation......
via-

https://twitter.com/shawshank_9/status/1600777023286562819?t=rFT5r8eyOH3W-iq9Tg6dGg&s=19

Susmita Dev (AITC, WB)- States must be engaged in authorities in implementation of CITES. Strongly raises concern related to amendment in S43 which encourages elephants to be used exploited as ‘captive’ for any other purpose. Asks why GoI abstained from voting against ivory trade

Mr Jairam Ramesh (INC)- WPA is most successful Act in the country which protected many species. It was brought when it was not fashionable. Questions Mr Bhupender Yadav on not accepting recommendations of the standing committee of the parliament. Contd…..

… The elephant is a natural and national heritage animal of India, also important for religious and cultural significance. Please drop the phrase ‘Any Other Purpose’ in Section 43. For private zoo or for some amusement park? Please make it just ‘religious & cultural purpose’.

Mr Ramesh continues- They have made SBWL a rubberstamp machine! Please preserve integrity and independence of the SBWL> Bring institutional members, bring scientist, bring people who will give you different opinions.

India is a world leader in conservation, we don’t need lesson from any other country. The tone of the Bill is beyond understanding. I cannot support the Bill. Mr Ramesh concludes.

Dr M. Thambidurai (AIADMK, TN)- Raises issue of Jallikattu. Talks about the interference of centre in state govt issues. Speaks about human-elephant conflict, asks for elephants to be restricted in forests.

Mr Abdul Wahab (IUML, Kerala)- Allow hanging solar fences to protect humans from elephants. Take care of humans also.

Mr B P Baishya (AGP, Assam)- Supports the Bill. Talks about death of 3 elephants on railway lines. Requests Minister to protect elephant corridors, conservation of Dolphins.

Pavitra Margherita (BJP, Assam), in his maiden speech praised PM Modi & ‘wholeheartedly’ supported the Bill. Discusses how poaching of Rhino declined with new govt. Praises the Minister for providing the proviso for ‘smooth transfer’ of elephants.

Kamakhya Prasad Tasa (BJP, Assam) spoke about the need to protect neglected species, smaller habitats, protect wetlands from harmful development. Advocates for ‘displacement’ of elephants to reduce conflict. Asks for restricting development around Kaziranga. Supported Bill.

Priyanka Chaturvedi (SS, Maharashtra)- Human-Wildlife conflict arises because of destruction of natural ecosystems. It’s important to discuss dilution of State Wildlife Boards. Maharashtra was first state to have its own State Wildlife Action Plan…. Contd..

Spoke about dilution of important laws & NGT, also cites destruction of mangroves from bullet train, habitat in Panna TR. IF we talk of conservation, protection of nature, there must be accountability of the govt to such relaxations. However, no comment on the Bill.

Mr Sanjay Singh (AAP, Delhi)- The Bill encroaches State’s jurisdiction by Centre. Questions the need of Standing Committee of SBWL. Raises important point of whether other wild animals are sacrificed for helping survival of Cheetahs introduced in Kuno.

Seema Dwivedi (BJP, UP)- Supported the Bill. Raises concerns on threats of extinction of species & landscapes. Praises the increase in penalty amount for wildlife crime & streamlining of Schedules in the Bill. Said the Bill is not going to affect rights of any State.

Mr Bhupender Yadav, Minister of Env- The Bill is sensitive to the rights of forest dependent communities. Some intense discussion between former Env Minister Mr Jairam Ramesh & Mr Yadav on the issue of Standing Committee of SBWL.

Mr Yadav responds on amendment concerning S43 on using the phrase ‘any other purpose’, that it was required to respect purposes required under Section 38 of WPA corresponding to zoos. @prernabindra @CRARIndia @stevenlockett

State govt must recognise biodiversity hotspots, inter-state wildlife corridors. Why do you want to declare a species ‘vermin’ in entire state & not specific area where they’re actually problematic? Good to see this point being said by the Minister in the parliament. @byadavbjp

The present govt diverted 16000 ha per year in last 7 years compared to 22000 ha per year in previous govt’s 10 years. Mr Yadav responds to the concerns raised over dilution of wildlife regulations in present govt.

On Jallikattu, Mr Yadav says Jallikattu is important part of our cultural heritage. Both law & culture must be respected.

The WLPA Bill 2022 is passed by the Rajya Sabha.