Orientation programme on wildlife laws held

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT

DIGBOI, February 5: The Wildlife Conservation Biology, a UGC sponsored career orientation course under the Department of Zoology, Digboi College organized an orientation programme on Wildlife Laws at Digboi College here on Thursday.

Ajoy Kumar Das, Associated Lawyer of Aaranyak, delivered his speech on Wildlife Laws.

Das drawing various inferences, highlighted on how the codified law in India for the wildlife protection was ected in the year 1887 by the British that was titled as the Wild Bird Protection Act, 1887, followed by another modification by the British Government known as the Wild Birds and Animal Protection Act 1912 and yet another amendment in the 1935 was brought about.

Das also spoke on the genesis of the WLPA and the Assam Forest Regulation Act 1891beside underlining  the laws such as Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act 1960, citing an example by saying that, the law also protects even a dog, if it is been kicked by the owner or anyone and it is punishable.

He also threw lights on the Forest Rights Act 2006, Biodiversity Act 2002, Assam Forest Regulation 1891, Elephant Preservation Act 1879, Rhino Protection Act 1952.

In addition, Das also mentioned the fundamental duties – Part IVA – Article 51A which reads, “It shall be the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the tural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures.”

According to him, the WLPA also includes Schedules I, II, III & IV list different protected species, the killing or trade of which prohibited, Schedule V lists vermin and Schedule VI lists protected plants.

Das also informed the students about the need to help and protect the wildlife and urged them whenever they get opportunity to inform the nearest police station as well as the nearest forest office against such wildlife crimes or habitat destruction.            

Meanwhile, a student’s interaction section was also conducted following the presentation where many students asked various questions and raised their doubts of WLPA.

Rajib Rudra Tariang, Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology, explained the objective of the event.