f&& testbook.com The Wildlife Protection Act Of 1972 - Environment Notes For UPSC 2021/10/10 The Wildlife Protection Aet was passed by the Parliament of India on 12 August 1972 and was enacted on 9 September 1972. The Act was introduced with an aim to provide safeguard and protection to animals, birds, and plants present in the country. Earlier, it was not applicable to the state of Jammu and Kashmir, but after the enactment of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act of 2019, the exception was removed. In total, there are 66 sections in this act and it consists of 6 schedules that provide a varying degree of protection for the species placed under each of them. India is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna species. Their habitats have been destroyed by various human activities such as construction, agricultural settlement, ete, Apart from that, poaching is a major threat to these species. Through this Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, the Government of India aimed to protect the wildlife and their habitats from all such threats. Act and policies related to environmental issues are significant for UPSC preliins as well as mains. In this article on the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, we shall discuss various provisions and features introduced by the Parliament to safeguard the wildlife. Also read NCERT Notes: Physical Weathering for UPSC here. Constitutional Provisions India is the first country in the world to have incorporated the provisions related to the protection and conservation of wildlife and the environment in the Constitution. Following the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, commonly called Stockholm Conference in 1972, the Indian Government passed the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act in 1976 through which articles pertaining to environmental protection were included in the Indian Constitution. The articles are as follows: Article 48A, By the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, this article was added under the Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV). This article deals with the Protection and improvement of the environment and safeguarding of forests and wildlife. Itstates that “The State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country”.Article 51A (g) By the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, this article was added as the fundamental duty of Indian citizens. It states that “ It shall be the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures. Attempt the UPSC Test Series here and score better. Download Wildlife (Protection) Act Of 1972 for the UPSC Exam in PDF Authorities Appointed Under Wildlife Protection Act 1972 The authorities appointed under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 are discussed below: . Appointments made by Central Government: ‘The Central Government may appoint the following authorities for the purpose of the Wildlife Protection Act. 4 ADireetor of Wildlife Preservation «Other such officers and employees to assist the directors. The Director is subject to all general and special rections given by the Central Government of India. . Appointments made by State Government: ‘The State Governments may appoint the following authorities for the purpose of the Wildlife Protection Act. «Chief Wildlife Warden «Wildlife Wardens Honorary Wildlife Wardens «Other such officers and employees as needed. ‘The Chief Wildlife Warden is subject to all general and special directions given by the State Government of India. Wildlife Wardens, Honorary Wildlife Wardens, and other such officers and employees are subordinate to the Chief Wildlife Warden. Also, read Biosphere Reserves in India for UPSC here. Salient Features Of Wildlife Protection Act 1972 Prohibition of Hunting: The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 prohibits the hunting of any wild animals listed under the schedules I, I, IIL, and IV of the act. Exceptions to the prohibition of hunting are provided under sections 11 and 12 of the act.As per section 11, the Chief Wildlife Warden can permit any person to hunt an animal specified in schedules I, 11, II, and IV of the act if he/she is satisfied that the particular animal is dangerous to human life or disabled or diseased beyond recovery. It also states that killing or wounding any wild animal in defense of oneself should not be considered as an offense. Such animals are considered government property. As per section 12, the Chief Wildlife Warden can grant a permit to hunt animals for the purpose of education, scientific research, and seientifie management. Prohibition of Cutting/Uprooting Specified Plants: The act prohibits any person from willfully picking, uprooting, damaging, destroying, collecting, selling, or transferring any plant species (alive or dead) from either forest area or any such area specified by the Central Government. Exception: The Chief Wildlife Warden, with prior permission from the concerned State government, can permit cutting or uprooting the specified plants for the purpose of education, scientific research, and scientific management. The act prohibits the cultivation of certain plants without aequiring a license from the Chief Wildlife Warden. It also prohibits any person from purchasing or receiving the specified plants from anybody other than the licensed dealers. Under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, various governing bodies such as National Board for Wildlife, and State Board for Wildlife are constituted, Similarly protected areas such as national parks, and sanctuaries are declared along with their funetions and rights. Animals are listed under 6 schedules based on their risk of survival and provisions related to the conservation and protection of such animals are mentioned in this act. Also check: The basics of Environment Bodies Established Under Wildlife Protection Act 1972 Following are the bodies constitutionalized under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1. National Board for Wildlife According to the act, the Central Government should constitute the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL). The Prime Minister of India is the Chairperson of the board and the Minister in charge of forests and wildlife is the Vice-Chairperson of the board. Along with them, the NBWL consists of several other members. The board has the right to constitute a standing committee to carry out certain functions directed to them by the board.‘Some of the major functions of the National Board for Wildlife are, To promote the conservation and development of wildlife and forests by taking appropriate measures. To frame policies and make advice to the Central Government and the State Governments on the ways and means of promoting wildlife conservation and effectively controlling poaching and illegal trade of wildlife and its products. ‘To make recommendations on the setting up of and management of national parks, sanctuaries, and other protected areas and on matters relating to the restriction of activities in those areas. To prepare and publish reports on wildlife in the country at least once in two years. 2. State Board for Wildlife According to the Wildlife Protection Act, the State Government should constitute the State Board for Wildlife (SBWL). The Chief Minister of the State (Chief Minister or Administrator in case of Union Territory) is the Chairperson of the board and the Minister in charge of forests and wildlife is the Vice-Chairperson of the board. The duty of the State Board for Wildlife is to advise the respective State Governments in matters such as, Selection and management of protected areas Formulation of policies for wildlife protection and conservation, Amendment of any schedule under the act. Also read NCERT Notes: Geomorphie Processes for UPSC here. 3. Central Zoo Authority According to the act, the Central Government should constitute Central Zoo Authority and it should consist of a Chairperson, Member-Secretary, and other such members not exceeding ten. The act confers the right to the authority to regulate its own procedure. Some of the funetions performed by the Central Zoo Authority are as follows: To recognize or derecognize 700s. To specify the minimum standards for housing, upkeep and veterinary care of the animals kept in a 200. To coordinate the acquisition, exchange, and loaning of animals for breeding purposes. ‘To identify endangered species of wild animals for purposes of captive breeding and assigning responsibility in this regard to a zoo. To coordinate research in captive breeding and educational programmes for the purposes of zoos. To ensure maintenance of stud-books of endangered species of wild animals bred in captivity. 4. National Tiger Conservation Authority According to the Wildlife Protection Act, the Central Government should constitute the National Tiger Conservation Authority and appoint the Minister of Environment and Forests as its Chairperson.The functions of the National Tiger Conservation Authority are as follows: To approve the Tiger Conservation Plan prepared by the State Government under a section provided by the act. To evaluate and assess various aspects of sustainable ecology and to cancel any ecologically unsustainable land use such as mining, industry, and other projects within the tiger reserves. To lay down guidelines for project tiger from time to time for tiger conservation in the buffer and core area of tiger reserves and ensure their due compliance. ‘To provide measures for addressing the conflicts between men and wild animals. Cheek the Ramsar Sites in India here. 5. Tiger And Other Endangered Species Crime Control Bureau Under this act, the Central Government can constitute a Tiger and other Endangered Species Crime Control Bureau by publishing orders in the official gazette, Following are the powers and functions of the Tiger and other Endangered Species Crime Control Bureau: , To coordinate the functions of various officers, State Governments, and other authorities in connection with the enforcement of the provisions of this Act. To collect and collate intelligence related to organized wildlife crime activities and to disseminate the same to State and other enforcement agencies for immediate action. To advise the Government of India on issues relating to wildlife crimes having national and international ramifications, and suggest changes required in relevant policy and laws from time to time, Protected Areas Under Wildlife Protection Act 1972 ‘The protected areas mentioned in the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 are discussed below: 1. Sanctuaries The State Government can declare any area other than an area comprising any reserve forest or the territorial waters as a sanctuary. For an area to be considered as a sanctuary, it should have adequate ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological, natural, or zoological significance. The Chief Wildlife Warden is the authority responsible for controlling, managing, and maintaining the sanctuaries. He is endowed with the power to take any steps necessary for the protection of sanctuaries and the wildlife therein The Chief Wildlife Warden can grant permiss ion to any person to enter or reside in the s mnetuary for purposes such as photographing, scientific research, tourism, investigation, or study of wildlife. However, fees are prescribed to carry out such activities. No person other than the public servant on duty, the person permitted by the CWLW, or the person passing through the sanetuary along the public highway can enter or reside in the sanctuary.The use of chemicals, explosives, or any other substances which may cause injury to the wildlife in the sanctuary, is strictly prohibited inside the sanctuary. Activities such as setting fire or leaving any fire burning ina sanetuary are prohibited. Weapons can be taken only with prior permission from the warden. 2. National Parks The State Government can declare any area that is of high ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological, natural, or zoological significance can be declared as a national park. Even the areas within the sanctuary can be declared national parks. Destruction, exploitation, or removal of any wildlife (including the forest produce) from the national parks are prohibited under the Act. Similarly, no person can destroy, damage, or divert the habitat of the species in the national park. Removal of wildlife from the national parks and change inflow of water into and outside the national parks can be made only in accordance with the permission of the Chief Wildlife Warden and the warden grants such permissions only after receiving acceptance from the concerned State Government. Grazing of any live stocks is prohibited in the national park. 3. Conservation Reserve ‘The State Government can declare any area owned by the government adjacent to national parks, sanctuaries, and those areas which serve as a link between one or more protected areas, as conservation reserves, after consultation with the local communities. It aims to protect the landseapes, seascapes, flora, fauna, and their habitats in the above-mentioned areas A management committee is constituted by the State Government to assist and advise the Chief Wildlife Warden to conserve, manage and maintain the conservation reserve. Stay updated with the Current Affairs for UPSC here. 4. Community Reserve When an individual or a community comes forward to volunteer for the conservation of wildlife and its habitat, then the State Government ean declare any private or community land as a community reserve for protecting fauna, flora, and traditional values and practices. For an area to be declared as a community reserve, then the area should not be within a national park, sanctuary, or conservation reserve. The authority responsible for conserving, maintaining, and managing the community reserve is the community reserve management committee which is constituted by the respective State Governments. Also read: Blue Revolution for UPSC here Need for the Wildlife Protection ActTo promote ecological and environmental security, the Wildlife Act of 1972 protects the country’s natural animals, birds, and plants. This statute established hunting limitations for a variety of animal species. Italso contains provisions relating to harvesting and a variety of other relevant issues. thas six schedules, including a list of endangered species, a list of wild creatures posing a threat to human life, alist of animals designated as vermin, and a list of defined goods, plants, and possessions, among others, that span India. For violations of the laws included therein, a variety of punishments have been established. Download Wildlife (Protection) Act Of 1972 for the UPSC Exam in PDF Scheduled Species Under Wildlife Protection Act The 6 schedules of the Wildlife Protection Act and examples of species placed under each schedule are listed below: Schedules | Description Examples Schedule I 7 | Bengal tiger, Nilgiri tahr, blackbuck, cheetah, « titically endangered species are Andaman wild pig, green sea turtle, golden Placedinndhy tases ‘gecko, red panda, large falcons, great Indian «Hunting, poaching, killing, and bustard, great Indian hombill, gharials, trading of wildlife species under this | gong, musk deer, ete schedule are strictly prohibited. 7 7 Schedule II : Assamese macaque, bonnet macaque, wild « Theanimals placed under this dog, pig-tailed macaque, Himalayan newtor schedule are also highly protected. salamander, common langur, eivets, sloth «Activities such as hunting, poaching, | bear, flying squirrels, king cobra, Himalayan killing, and trading of these species | back bear, jackal, mongooses, eivets, red fox, are prohibited. rat snake, jungle cat, ete. Schedule Though the species placed under this Barking deer (muntjac), chital, hyaena, nilgai, m schedule are not endangered, they are sambar, gorals, wild pig, and all caleareans protected from poaching, hunting, and (sponges). trading. Schedule | Hunting, poaching, killing, and trading of | Hedgehog, geese, bulbuls, faleons, bustard Vv wildlife species under schedule IV are also | quails, flamingos, ducks, flycatchers, pelicans, prohibited. swans, woodpeckers, butterflies, moths, tortoise, cranes, doves, blue jays, ete ScheduleV | ‘The animal species which are considered | Common crow, fruit bats, mice, and rats. vermin i.e the animals which carry disease- causing germs and are capable of destroying plants (food plants) are placedunder this schedule. Schedule Beddomes’ cycad, blue vanda, kuth, ladies Certain plant species are listed under | i;,50r orchids, pitcher plant, and Red vanda. this schedule. Cultivation of the plants specified in this schedule can be carried out only by obtaining prior permission and license. Possession, sale, and transportation of these 6 plant species are restricted. We hope that the above article proves to be helpful for the UPSC aspirants. Avail more such notes, quizzes, tests, live coaching sessions, and much more, by downloading the ‘Testbook App now. Further, you ean also receive instant notifications regarding the upcoming exams, vacancies available, ete. Renewable Energy Ozone Layer Depletion Forest Resources Environmental Issues Pollution and Its Types Natural disasters Wildlife Protection Act FAQs Q.1 What are the objectives of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972? Ans.1 The main objective is to provide safeguard and protection to animals, birds, and plants present in the country. Q.2 What are the protected areas under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972? Ans.2 The Protected Areas under the act are National Parks, Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves, and Community Reserves. Q.3 What are the salient features of the Wildlife Protection Aet of 1972? Ans.3, ‘The main features of the act are Prohibition of Hunting, Prohibition of Cutting/Uprooting Specified Plants, and Prohibition of cultivation of certain plants. Q.4 What is the Vermin category under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972? Ans.4 The Act does not define the term ‘vermin’. However, Schedule V contains a list of animals designated —— enQ.5 What is schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act? Ans.5 Schedule I specify critically endangered species that need requires protection, pee feltig constantly delivered Total 3000+ selections etd < rect Destination AS sn many mere Ps The Complete Exam Preparation Elli Bret