Wildlife Crime Control Bureau: Overview, Formation, Functions and Achievements

The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) is a crucial institution in India’s fight against organized wildlife crime. Established under the Ministry of Environment and Forests, its headquarters in New Delhi coordinates with regional and sub-regional offices across the country to address illegal wildlife activities.

Key Details of Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB)

• Formation: 6^th June 2007
• Headquarter: New Delhi
• Motto: Fighting Transboundary Environmental Crime
• Parent agency: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

Formation and Operational History of WCCB

The WCCB was formally established on 6 June 2007, following the enactment of provisions from the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2006. It became fully operational in 2008, marking the beginning of its efforts to address wildlife crime across India.

Motto of Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB)

The Bureau’s motto, “Fighting Transboundary Environmental Crime,” reflects its commitment to tackling illegal activities that threaten wildlife across borders.

Key Roles and Responsibilities of WCCB

The WCCB has several important functions, including:

• Data Collection and Dissemination: Gathering and sharing information related to wildlife offences with states and agencies.
• Infrastructure Development: Building systems to analyze and tackle wildlife-related crimes.
• Advisory Role: Assisting customs administration on wildlife appraisal according to the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• International Cooperation: Working with foreign institutions to reduce wildlife offences.
• Central Offence Data Bank: Maintaining a central database of wildlife crimes.
• Recommendations: Suggesting actions to the Indian government to combat wildlife crime.
• Implementation of Protocols: Enforcing international wildlife conventions in India.
• Preventing Illegal Trade: Stopping illegal trade and hunting of wildlife and its by-products.

Activities and Achievements of WCCB

Between 2018 and 2020, the WCCB registered around 2,054 cases of illegal wildlife trafficking and hunting. Key activities include:

• Species-Specific Operations: Coordinated enforcement actions targeting specific species.
• Recognition: The WCCB has received several accolades for its efforts:

1. UN Environmental Award: Twice awarded for combating transboundary environmental crimes.
2. Chief Dave Cameron Award: Recognized for environmental crime prevention and education.
3. Clark R. Bavin Wildlife Law Enforcement Award: Honored for successful sting operations against illegal wildlife trade.

Procedure for Investigating Wildlife Crimes

Investigating wildlife crimes in India involves the following steps:

• Crime Scene Investigation: Forest officials document data and collect evidence.
• Accused Interrogation: Confession statements are recorded, ensuring no physical intimidation.
• Witness Examination: Evidence is documented by authorized officials, excluding hearsay.
• Complaint Filing: Complaints are registered under Section 55 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, with sufficient facts to support the case.

Awards and Recognition of WCCB

The WCCB has received several accolades for its commendable efforts in wildlife law enforcement:

• Clark R. Bavin Wildlife Law Enforcement Award (2010): This prestigious award was granted in recognition of the Bureau’s outstanding contributions to wildlife protection. Ramesh K. Pandey, Deputy Director, accepted the award on behalf of WCCB.
• Asia Environment Enforcement Award (2018): Awarded by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), this accolade further underscores WCCB’s effectiveness in environmental enforcement.

Operational Structure of WCCB

• Headquarters: The WCCB’s central office is located at Trikoot-1 Building, 2nd Floor, Bhikaji Cama Place, New Delhi-110066.
• Minister Responsible: Bhupendra Yadav, from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, oversees the Bureau’s activities.
• Agency Executive: Tilotama Varma serves as the Additional Director of WCCB.