Fury Erupts: Kerala's Proposed Wildlife Protection Bill Sparks Massive Environmental Outcry

Kerala, a state renowned for its lush biodiversity and pristine natural beauty, is currently at the epicentre of a fierce environmental battle. Green activists across the region are raising their voices in powerful unison, vehemently condemning the state government's proposed amendments to the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

They label the controversial bill as 'anti-wildlife,' 'unconstitutional,' and a grave threat to the very fabric of Kerala's delicate ecosystems.

The amendments, which critics argue are a brazen attempt to dilute crucial environmental safeguards, propose sweeping changes that could open the floodgates for unchecked commercial exploitation in and around protected areas.

At the heart of the contention is a provision that reportedly seeks to ease restrictions on commercial activities such as mining, quarrying, and the development of resorts within a one-kilometre radius of wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. This move, activists warn, is a death knell for the state's unique flora and fauna.

Environmentalists are particularly alarmed by clauses that appear to drastically reduce penalties for violations of the Act, effectively giving a free pass to environmental degradation.

Furthermore, the proposed changes are seen as an attempt to bypass the statutory authority of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL), a central body tasked with protecting wildlife and promoting conservation. By undermining the NBWL's role, the state government risks creating a legislative loophole that could permit projects detrimental to wildlife without adequate central scrutiny.

Activists argue that these amendments are not just a bureaucratic reshuffle but a fundamental betrayal of conservation principles.

They contend that the bill is tailored to benefit corporate interests and land mafias at the expense of the state's rich biodiversity. "This bill will allow the destruction of invaluable habitats and directly impact the survival of numerous species, including several endemic ones," stated a prominent environmentalist, echoing the sentiments of many concerned citizens.

The collective outcry from conservationists, local communities, and wildlife enthusiasts underscores a deep-seated fear: that the government is prioritizing short-term economic gains over long-term ecological sustainability.

They assert that the proposed changes are a direct affront to the constitutional mandate to protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife.

In response to this significant pushback, activists are united in their demand for the immediate withdrawal of the proposed bill.

They are calling for comprehensive public consultations, emphasizing the need for transparency and democratic participation in decisions that have such far-reaching consequences for Kerala's natural heritage. The message is clear: the guardians of Kerala's green future will not stand idly by as their cherished wilderness faces unprecedented legislative assault.