NEW DELHI, May 9 - Unabated killing of rhinos in Assam notwithstanding, the Centre has claimed that its population has been increasing in the three States of Assam, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
It is seen that the population of rhinos is increasing in these States. Minister of State for Environment and Forest, Prakash Javadekar said in a Rajya Sabha reply that the Centre provides financial assistance for conservation of the species, including rhinos.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been empowered under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 to apprehend and prosecute wildlife offenders.
Rhinos are found in Assam, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. The population of rhino in these States according to latest census is: Assam 2,505 (2012) and 2,624 (2015), Uttar Pradesh 34 (2015) and West Bengal 229 (2013) and 255 (2015).
The Government has taken the following steps for protection of wild animals, including Rhino in the country: Protected Areas have been created all over the country under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 to conserve wild animals and their habitats. Most of the rhino habitats are part of Tiger Reserves at Kaziranga Tiger Reserve, Manas Tiger Reserve, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve and Jaldapara Tiger Reserve, Javadekar said.
A specific component of recovery programmes for saving critically endangered species and habitats is provided in the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats for focused conservation action on selected critically endangered species. Rhinoceros is one of the identified species under this programme.
Legal protection has been provided to wild animals including rhinoceros against hunting and commercial exploitation under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
In addition to provision of stringent punishment for the offenders, the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 also provides for forfeiture of any equipment, vehicle or weapon that is used for committing wildlife offence(s).
Financial and technical assistance is provided to the State governments under the Centrally sponsored schemes for providing better protection to wildlife, including endangered species and improvement of their habitat.
The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau has been set up to ensure co-ordination among various officers and State governments in connection with the enforcement of law for control of poaching and illegal trade in wildlife and its products.
