WILDLIFE PROTECTION LAW IN INDIA

(This rough draft is submitted in partial fulfilment of course Environmental Law for obtaining
the degree B.B.A., LL.B. (Hons.) during the academic year 2021-2022.)

SUBMITTED BY:

AASTHA PRAKASH

B.B.A., LL.B. (Hons.)

ROLL NO: 2002

SEMESTER: 7th

SUBMITTED TO:

MR. HRISHIKESH MANU

FACULTY OF ENVIRONMENTAL LAW

JULY, 2021

CHANAKYA NATIONAL LAW UNIVERSITY, NYAYA NAGAR, MITHAPUR,

PATNA- 800001.
INTRODUCTION:
The unique biogeography of the Indian sub-continent has given rise to a diverse array of
ecosystems in India, ranging from the alpine forests in the Himalayas in the north, to the arid
deserts in the west; and from the vast river basins formed by its numerous rivers to the extensive
coastline, and the unique chain of islands in the west and east coasts. India also hosts four
biodiversity hotspots, bestowing it with a strikingly rich biodiversity, and making it one of the 17
megadiverse nations of the world. At the same time, the country is home to over 1.3 billion
people, which is expected to grow by 16% by 2030. 

India’s rich cultural heritage inherently inculcates an ethos of nature conservation and a general
sense of tolerance towards animals, which has allowed for the persistence of most of its
biodiversity. However, the natural habitats and wildlife populations are increasingly faced with
multiple threats arising from the rapid industrial development and urbanization, a growing
population, and the drivers of climate change. Today, the three key challenges faced by wildlife
in India include habitat fragmentation, human-wildlife conflict, and Illegal wildlife trade. The
network of Protected Areas constitutes around 5% of India’s land area, which is insufficient to
meet the conservation goals for threatened species. Addressing these challenges, requires
persistent collaborative efforts between all stakeholders, and a holistic approach cross-cutting the
various interfaces of wildlife conservation, socio-economic well-being and sustainable
development.

OBJECTIVES
The researcher has the following objectives:

1) To analyze the various legal provisions protecting the wildlife in India.

2) To study the legal framework for the conservation and protection of wildlife in detail.
3) To study about the projects and efforts made to conserve wildlife in India.

HYPOTHESIS
These are the following hypotheses:
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
The research work is based on doctrinal method. It includes only secondary sources of data.

LIMITATIONS
Area of limitations – Every study has own limitation due to the limited time, lack of sufficient
financial sources and limited area of survey/study of the subject matter.

TENTATIVE CHAPTERISATION
1. Introduction
2. Environment
3. Legal Provisions Governing Wildlife in India
4. Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
5. Other Legal Framework for Wildlife Conservation in India
6. Wildlife Conservation Efforts in India
7. Conclusion