Maharashtra Assembly Passes Wildlife Protection Amendment Bill Amid Conflict Concerns

• Maharashtra Assembly passed the Wildlife Protection (Maharashtra Amendment) Bill, 2026, on March 18.
• Forest Minister Ganesh Naik stated the bill aims to manage human-wildlife conflict and will not permit hunting of wild animals like leopards.
• The amendment modifies Section 12 of the Wildlife Protection Act, allowing the Chief Wildlife Warden to grant permits for specific purposes like research or population control.
• Naik clarified the bill does not downgrade leopards from Schedule I to Schedule II, emphasizing it's for limited permissions, not hunting.
• Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray urged scrutiny, warning against diluting protection and advocating for a comprehensive leopard management program.