Rajya Sabha clears Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Bill | The Indian Express
The Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Bill, 2022 has been passed in the Rajya Sabha. The bill seeks to strengthen the protection of endangered species and enhance punishment for illegal wildlife trade. According to the statement of objects and reasons of the Bill, it was enacted to enhance the protection of wildlife and ensure the ecological and environmental security of the country through better management of PAs and rationalise schedules, which list out species under the WLPA.
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Uttar Pradesh reports an increase in rhino population since reintroduction over three decades ago | Mongabay India
38 years ago, an inter-state rhino reintroduction project was undertaken in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in Uttar Pradesh, where five rhinos were relocated from Assam. According to the latest population estimation, the rhino population is now up to 40, marking an important success for the endangered species. The state government has decided to earmark more geographical areas in the reserve, allocating Rs. 1.43 million for the cause.
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Global crackdown on illegal wildlife and timber trade: INTERPOL and World Customs Organization join forces | Interpol
A joint INTERPOL-World Customs Organisation (WCO) law enforcement operation has seen hundreds of arrests and disruption of wildlife and timber crime networks globally. Codename Operation Thunder 2022 has brought together enforcement agencies from 125 countries and has seen almost 2,200 seizures in October 2022. In India, the operation led to the seizure of around 1,200 reptiles, such as iguanas, pythons, monitor lizards, and tortoises.
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Arunachal Pradesh: Over 2,400 guns surrendered under ‘Air Gun Surrender Abhiyan’ for wildlife conservation | The Print
In order to protect the unique and diverse wildlife of Arunachal Pradesh, the state’s Department of Forest and Environment came up with a movement called “Airgun Surrender Abhiyan”. Since its launch in March 2021, the movement has gathered the support of the people of Arunachal, and more than 2,400 guns have been surrendered till date. During the BASCON festival, which celebrates local tribal art and culture, around 30 airguns were surrendered.
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On a clearing spree? Green nod to 2,250 projects, 270 of them in biodiversity hotspots | Down to Earth
Massive environmental clearances have been given to projects in eco-sensitive zones and Protected Areas. The Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MOEFCC) gave clearances to 2,256 proposals, with 270 of them lying near biodiversity hotspots. The projects include those for roads, mining, hydroelectricity, and thermal power. Over the past six years, 87% of the proposals received by the MOEFCC have been approved, raising serious questions as to whose interests are being served.
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