GS 3 – ENVIRONMENT
Context
- Enacted in 1972 to provide a legal framework for the protection of wild animals, birds, plants, and their habitats.
- Implements provisions of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
- Has undergone multiple amendments (1991, 2002, 2006, 2022) to strengthen conservation measures.
Objectives
- Protection of endangered species of flora and fauna.
- Regulation of hunting and poaching.
- Conservation of biodiversity through Protected Areas (PAs).
- Control of trade in wildlife and its products.
- Safeguard ecological security of the country.
Key Provisions
- Schedules (Protection Levels)
- Schedule I & II (Part II): Absolute protection; highest penalties (e.g., tiger, elephant).
- Schedule II (Part I): Lesser protection.
- Schedule III & IV: Protected but lesser penalties.
- Schedule V: Animals declared vermin (e.g., rats, crows, nilgai in certain areas).
- Schedule VI: Regulation of cultivation and trade of specified plants.
- Protected Areas
- Sanctuaries
- National Parks
- Conservation Reserves (introduced in 2002 amendment).
- Community Reserves (introduced in 2002 amendment).
- Wildlife Authorities
- National Board for Wildlife (NBWL): Apex advisory body chaired by the Prime Minister.
- State Board for Wildlife (SBWL): Headed by the Chief Minister of respective states.
- Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB): Established in 2006 to combat organized poaching and illegal trade.
- Chief Wildlife Warden: State-level authority to implement the Act.
- Regulation of Hunting & Trade
- Complete ban on hunting of endangered species except under exceptional circumstances (e.g., self-defense, scientific research).
- Regulation of possession, trade, and transport of wildlife articles.
- Implementation of CITES for international trade.
2022 Amendment
- Rationalised schedules from 6 to 4 (by merging Schedules).
- Enhanced penalties for wildlife crimes.
- Provided legal backing to CITES provisions.
- Allowed transfer or surrender of animals to recognized zoos.
- Greater involvement of local communities in conservation.
Mains practice question
Discuss the key provisions and significance of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 in strengthening biodiversity conservation in India.