DRI busts several wildlife trafficking networks across India operations

Why in news

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has conducted pan-India operations leading to the seizure of endangered wildlife animals and ivory articles, along with the arrest of individuals involved in illegal trafficking.

Exam relevance

GS1, GS3 · Environment & Ecology, Internal Security, Governance · Prelims · Mains

Key facts

1. Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) conducted pan-India operations against illegal wildlife trafficking.
2. Over 440 endangered/protected wildlife animals were seized.
3. Approximately 15 kg of ivory articles and elephant ivory were seized.
4. 33 persons involved in wildlife trafficking were arrested.
5. In Rajasthan, 11 kg of elephant ivory was seized, and four persons were apprehended.
6. Indian elephant is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
7. Commercial trade in ivory is prohibited in India as per CITES obligations.
8. Import and export of ivory are prohibited under India's Foreign Trade Policy.

Prelims pointers

• Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) is responsible for enforcing laws related to revenue and preventing smuggling.
• The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, categorizes wildlife into different schedules for protection.
• Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, provides the highest level of protection to species.
• Indian Elephant (Elephas maximus) is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
• CITES is an international agreement to regulate the international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora.
• Foreign Trade Policy of India governs the import and export of goods, including ivory.

Mains practice question

Discuss the multifaceted challenges posed by illegal wildlife trafficking in India and evaluate the effectiveness of existing legal and institutional frameworks in curbing this menace. What further steps can be taken to strengthen conservation efforts?

Static linkage

The operations are linked to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which provides for the protection of specified plants and animals. Schedule I of the Act lists endangered species like the Indian elephant, prohibiting their trade. India's commitment to CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) also mandates the prohibition of commercial trade in ivory.

Significance

These operations highlight the persistent challenge of illegal wildlife trafficking in India and the efforts by enforcement agencies like the DRI to combat it. The seizures underscore the threat to endangered species and the importance of enforcing national laws and international conventions like CITES. Successful interdiction of such networks is crucial for biodiversity conservation and maintaining ecological balance. It also points to the need for continuous intelligence gathering and coordinated action across different states.