Imphal, September 1: The Manipur Forest Department, in partnership with the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), hosted a workshop on the amended Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, drawing 59 officers from across the state to its Main Conference Hall in Sanjenthong on August 30, 2025. The programme included Range Forest Officers, Assistant Conservators of Forests, and Divisional Forest Officers, with participation both in-person and online.
L. Joykumar Singh, Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), presided as Chief Guest, while Dr. Bhaskar Choudhury, Chief Veterinarian of WTI, and Shri Lovish Sharma, Advocate at the Delhi High Court and IUCN Environmental Law Commission member, offered expert insights. Coordination was led by Thokchom Autumn Meitei, Divisional Forest Officer (Wildlife), alongside the WTI’s Wildlife Crime Control Division team members Chingrisoror Rumthao (Field Officer) and Sonim (Assistant Field Officer).
The deliberations spotlighted key amendments made to the Wild Life (Protection) Act in 2022, such as the rationalisation of Schedules official integration of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) through designated Management and Scientific Authorities, and expanded coverage to include exotic species. Officers examined crime jurisprudence within protected areas, notably considering how constitutional rights Articles 21 and 25 interact with statutory wildlife protections. These discussions referenced recent judgments from the Supreme Court and various High Courts.
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Addressing the audience, the Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) revealed that Manipur had formed a dedicated committee for the disposal of seized wildlife and derivatives well before central regulations arrived in 2023. The State’s proactive consultation contributed to multiple improvements in the final rules. Drawing upon the regional issue of “tokko” (Tokay Gecko) smuggling, he emphasized Manipur’s continued advocacy for plugging legal gaps concerning exotic species, efforts which eventually led to pivotal amendments in the Act.
Speakers also noted hurdles faced prior to the 2022 changes, when enforcement against trafficking of exotic species was limited by legislative gaps. With the recent amendments, officers now have clearer mandates for protecting wildlife and controlling illegal trade, strengthening Manipur’s position as a leader in wildlife crime prevention across Northeast India.
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