J&K Wildlife Protection Rules notified

Jammu, June 2: A permit, issued by Chief Wildlife Warden or Wildlife Warden or any person authorized by Chief Wildlife Warden, will be mandatory for entry in national park, sanctuary or reserve area in J&K for purposes of photography, tourism or transaction of any other lawful business.

This permit will be subject to payment of fee at the rate prescribed by the government from time to time.

These directions formed part of the “Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife (Protection) Rules, 2024” which have been notified by J&K Forest, Ecology and Environment Department.

These rules, notified by the UT government in exercise of the powers conferred by section 64 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (No. 53 of 1972), will come into force from the date of their publication in the official gazette, repealing “The Jammu & Kashmir Wildlife Protection Rules 1979.”

Rules specify that the fee for entry of light vehicles in national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and conservation reserves will be charged at the rate as prescribed by the government from time to time.

Permission for making feature films, documentary films, television serial or professional photography in a national park or sanctuary or conservation reserve will also be granted by the Chief Wildlife Warden on payment of fee at the rate as prescribed by the government from time to time.

EXCEPTIONS TO PERMIT RULES

However, where it is considered necessary or expedient to do so in the public interest, the Chief Wildlife Warden may exempt any person and vehicle from the payment of the fee, payable under these rules.

The departmental officers and officials, while performing their duties in the Wildlife Protected Areas, will also be exempted from payment of entry fee.

CANCELLATION OF PERMIT

The Chief Wildlife Warden or in-charge of the national park or sanctuary or the conservation reserve has been authorised to cancel any permit granted under these rules yet “for good and sufficient reasons, to be recorded in writing.”

Besides the Chief Wildlife Warden, officers authorized to make complaints under section within their respective jurisdictions; will include Conservator of Forests (Territorial); Regional Wildlife Warden; Divisional Forest Officer (Territorial); Deputy Conservator of Forests; Wildlife Warden; Assistant Conservator of Forests; Assistant Wildlife Warden and Range Officer.

Rules also provide for terms of office of a non-official member of the Wildlife Board for J&K; resignation process; filling of casual vacancies; removal of non-official member from the Board; allowances and quorum for meeting of the Board (which should not be less than 50 percent of the total members).