What are the main features of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, of 1972? (HPAS Mains Question Paper 2022 – GS 3, Q.8)
This Act ensures environmental and ecological security by protecting the country’s wild animals, birds, and plant species. The Act, among other things, restrict the hunting of many animal species. The Act was last amended in 2006.
- This Act provides for the protection of a number of listed animal, bird, and plant species, as well as the establishment of a network of ecologically significant protected areas throughout the country.
- The Act establishes wildlife advisory boards and wildlife wardens, as well as their powers and duties.
- The Act made it illegal to hunt endangered species.
- The provisions of the Act make it illegal to trade scheduled animals.
- The Act authorises the sale, transfer, and possession of certain wildlife species in exchange for a licence.
It calls for the creation of wildlife refuges, national parks, and other protected areas. - Its provisions laid the groundwork for the establishment of the Central Zoo Authority. This is the central body in charge of zoo oversight in India. It was founded in 1992.
- The Act established six schedules that provided varying degrees of protection to various classes of flora and fauna. Program I and Schedule II (Part II) are given absolute security, and offences committed under these schedules carry the harshest penalties. Species that may be hunted are also listed in the programs.
- Under the provisions of this Act, the National Board for Wildlife was established as a statutory organisation.
This is an advisory board that advises the central government on wildlife conservation issues in India. - The National Tiger Conservation Act also established the National Tiger Conservation Authority.
It is a statutory body of the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change with overall supervisory and coordination responsibilities as defined by the Act.
