By IANS,
New Delhi : The union cabinet Thursday approved amendments to the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, including provision for the gram sabha or village body to be consulted in the event of the area being declared as part of a wildlife sanctuary.
The records of the gram sabha and the panchayat are also to be taken into consideration on their claims, a statement said.
“Provisions for having consultation with Gram Sabha in the event of the intention of the State Government for declaration of a Sanctuary has been included in the Act,” a statement said.
“Records of the Gram Sabha and the Panchayat during the inquiry by the Collector on the claims to be considered by him during the process of notification of the Sanctuary.
“Consultation with the gram sabha concerned for management and maintenance of a Sanctuary has been made mandatory.
“Representative of Panchayat or tribal community have been included in the Community Reserve Management Committee.
“The Ministry of Panchayati Raj had advised additional amendments to these Sections,” the statement said.