Wildlife Protection (Maharashtra Amendment) Bill, 2026
The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly passed an amendment to the Wildlife Protection Act, focusing on improved management of human-wildlife conflict, without permitting hunting of wild animals, including leopards.
Key Provisions and Intent
- Section 12 of the Wildlife Protection Act: Empowers the Chief Wildlife Warden to grant permits for specific purposes like research and scientific management for population control.
- Aimed at allowing quicker administrative responses to human-wildlife conflicts within Maharashtra without needing Central permissions.
Government's Assurance
- Forest Minister Ganesh Naik emphasized that the bill does not intend to downgrade the protection status of leopards from Schedule I to Schedule II.
- No provisions for hunting; only limited permissions for specific purposes.
- Bill requires further clearances including from the Governor, President, and Union government before it can take effect.
Concerns and Opposition
- Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray urged for a detailed scrutiny by a select committee, arguing that the schedule reclassification won't address human-animal conflict effectively.
- Concerns over lack of scientific evidence supporting the reclassification's effectiveness and potential risks of increased poaching and illegal trade.
- Advocated for a comprehensive "leopard management programme" involving scientific and expert intervention and coordination with the Centre.
Additional Points
- Other members highlighted growing leopard sightings in urban areas, emphasizing the need for prompt action by forest authorities.
- The bill was passed by voice vote, amidst calls for ensuring no hunting permits are issued, focusing on relocation and conservation.
