Date:20/06/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/06/20/stories/2006062006371200.htm

National

Wildlife crime bureau to be set up

Special Correspondent

A Bill will be brought in the monsoon session of Parliament

Powers for Army commanders for containing poaching in J&K and Northeast

The bureau will act as a multi-disciplinary agency

NEW DELHI: The National Wildlife Board on Monday gave final clearance to the creation of a Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) armed with investigative powers to curb poaching of endangered animals and illegal trade in their parts. It was also decided to provide legal powers under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 to Army Commanders for containing poaching in the border areas of Jammu & Kashmir and the Northeast.

Setting up of the Bureau will require an amendment in the Wildlife (Protection) Act and the bill for the purpose will be brought in the monsoon session Parliament, Union Environment and Forest Minister A. Raja told reporters after meeting of the Board. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh presided over. The Ministry has received the Law Ministry's opinion on the proposal and now an enabling section will have to be added in the existing Act to set up the Bureau.