Question

Write in detail about Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Answer 1

The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 refers to legislation enacted in 1972 by the Government of India. The Wildlife Protection Act is an act to provide for the protection of wild animals, birds, and plants and for the matters connected with them. The act has provisions which empower the Central Government to create machinery for the purpose of wildlife protection. The central government has the power to frame rules and codes of conduct for the protection of wildlife and natural resources. Under this act, the Government can:

1. Prohibit the killing and hunting of specified animals.
2. Protect specified plants by prohibiting picking, uprooting or felling.
3. Provide funds for the establishment of national parks, sanctuaries, etc.
4. Restrict, regulate, or prohibit trade or commerce in wild animals, animal articles, and other related products.

Prior to 1972, India only had five designated national parks. The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 provides provisions for setting up national parks and sanctuaries to provide natural habitats for wildlife. At present, there are 504 wildlife sanctuaries and 89 national parks, covering an area of 156006 sq. km. in India.
The Wildlife Protection Act provides protection to listed species of flora and fauna and establishes a network of ecologically important protected areas. This Act extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir, which has its own wildlife act. The act consists of the following chapters:

1. Chapter I (Preliminary)
2. Chapter II (Authorities to be Appointed or Constituted under the Act)
3. Chapter III (Hunting of Wild Animals)
4. Chapter III A (Protection of Specified Plants)
5. Chapter IV (Sanctuaries, National Parks and ClosedAreas)
6. Chapter V (Trade or Commerce in Wild Animals, Animal Articles and Trophies)
7. Chapter VI (Prevention and Detection of Offences)
8. Chapter VII (Miscellaneous)