What we need is a change in the system. Laws need to be amended and revised to suit the prevailing conditions. Cases should be settled quickly and in accordance with the wildlife laws. The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 does not include aquatic species, most invertebrates, lower vertebrates and many plant species. These lacunae pave the way for such misdemeanors as dynamiting, a popular means of fishing which seriously depletes fish stocks, pollutes the water and alters complete ecosystems. Dynamiting is practiced not only in majorriverine systems such as the Ganges, Yamuna and Gomti but even in the Tansa Lake, a source of fresh drinking water for the city of Mumbai. Similarly, there is no provision in the law for hunting activities conducted outside designated National Parks, sanctuaries, game reserves and closed areas for a number of species.

The penalties under the acts should be made more severe, treating poaching of an animal on par with grave crimes like the murder of a human being. Fines should be made steeper. In most cases, the fines levied are too paltry to be a deterrent. A culprit may pay less as fines than a motorist would pay when he jumps a signal.

General awareness of the rights and duties of a citizen with respect to wildlife protection should be created. Detailed maps of the protected areas, regionwise, along with the most vulnerable species found in the said areas should be readily available. The role and involvement of the police should also be well defined along with a greater coordination between them and theforest department.

The government has a scheme of compensating the villagers for losses incurred due to the wildlife. However, this compensation takes a long time to get sanctioned. This angers the villagers sending them on a rampage killing wild animals in a revenge spree. Many of the leopards in the Himalayan region of Kumaon Garhwal areas have become victims of the villagers' anger. Incidences of the armed forces being involved in the hunting of animals has also come to light. This needs to be tackled with all strictness by the concerned senior officials. Restricting the possession of fire arms, limiting the issue of licenses, careful checks and audits on the use of weapons and ammunition will also help reduce the incidences of hunting for sport and trade.

The irony behind the Gudha Bishnoiyan episode is perhaps the fact that the very people who should be setting an example to the masses with their good behaviour and conduct are today the people who are ruining this country. Public figures have a greatsocial responsibility. However today we do not see them taking this responsibility with any degree of seriousness. Under such circumstances, the citizens should take it on themselves to condemn such heinous acts of poaching which could lead to the loss of our status as the 12th most bio-diverse nation in the world. We, the citizens of India, with a certain amount of will, dedication, commitment and most importantly, discipline, can restore what is left of our legacy.

Dr J C Punetha is the senior project officer, WWF - India, Maharashtra State Office