An investigation through the Right to Information (RTI) Act has brought to light startling figures regarding wildlife poaching in the northern state of Haryana. The data reveals that while the state forest department has managed to secure financial compensation in hundreds of cases, the judicial outcomes tell a different, more concerning story.
Compensation Collected But Convictions Lag Behind
The RTI reply, provided by the office of the Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) in Panchkula, shows a significant gap between reported crimes and legal consequences. According to the information, the Haryana government received a total of Rs 10,07,500 as compensation in 411 cases registered under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2023.
This five-year period saw a range of animals fall victim to poachers. The cases involved the illegal killing of protected species such as black bucks, blue bulls (nilgai), sambar deer, porcupines, and peacocks, among others. The compensation amounts were determined by the courts based on the value assigned to each animal under the law.
Low Conviction Rate Highlights Enforcement Challenges
Despite the high number of registered cases, the rate of successful prosecutions remains dismally low. The RTI data indicates that only 11 cases, a mere fraction of the total, resulted in conviction during this period. This points to potential systemic issues in investigation, evidence collection, or legal proceedings that hinder the effective prosecution of wildlife criminals.
A deeper look at the annual breakdown shows fluctuating numbers. The year 2022-23 saw the highest number of registered cases at 117, with compensation of Rs 2,92,500. In contrast, the preceding year, 2021-22, had 84 cases but yielded the highest compensation amount of Rs 3,52,000. The figures suggest that the severity and type of animals poached influence the final compensation awarded.
Pending Trials and the Road Ahead
The RTI response also sheds light on the current status of these legal battles. A significant number of cases are still ongoing, dragging through the judicial system. As of the latest information, trials are pending in 56 poaching cases across various courts in Haryana. This backlog contributes to delays in justice and may dilute the deterrent effect of the wildlife protection laws.
Wildlife activists and conservationists have often expressed concern that low conviction rates and prolonged trials embolden poachers. The compensation, while a punitive financial measure, is seen as insufficient if not backed by strong judicial outcomes that include imprisonment. The data underscores the need for the forest department, police, and the judiciary to work in closer coordination to ensure that poaching cases are investigated thoroughly and prosecuted effectively.
The revelation from this RTI query serves as a crucial checkpoint for Haryana's wildlife protection efforts. It highlights an active effort to document crimes and claim compensation but simultaneously exposes a critical weakness in converting legal filings into concrete convictions. For the state's rich but vulnerable wildlife, bridging this gap between case registration and successful prosecution is the next essential step towards stronger conservation.
