ACTS AND POLICIES RELATED TO BIODIVERSITY

Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
- Provides protection to animals, birds, plants across India.
- Five protected areas: National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves, Community Reserves, Tiger Reserves.
- Hunting prohibited for species in Schedules I–IV; exceptions only for dangerous/diseased animals with permission.
- Schedule I & II (Part II): Highest protection.  
- Schedule III & IV: Protected, lower penalties.  
- Schedule V: Vermin animals allowed to hunt.  
- Schedule VI: Plants prohibited for cultivation.

Environment Protection Act, 1986
- Umbrella law for environment protection.  
- Empowers Centre to regulate pollution.  
- Allows citizens to approach courts after 60-day notice.  
- Civil courts barred from interfering in actions under this Act.

Indian Forest Act, 1927
- Consolidates forest laws; defines Reserved, Protected, Village Forests.
- Regulates timber transport and forest produce.

Forest Conservation Act, 1980
- Restricts forest diversion for non-forest activities without Central approval.
- Ensures consent of forest dwellers and wildlife authorities.
- Forest Conservation Division regulates land diversion.

National Forest Policy, 1988
- Focus on ecological balance, soil conservation, afforestation.
- Aims for one-third forest cover; community involvement emphasized.

Biological Diversity Act, 2002
- Conservation, sustainable use, and benefit sharing.
- Three-tier structure: NBA (central), SBB (state), BMC (local).
- Companies must share 0.5% post-tax sales with local communities.

Forest Rights Act, 2006
- Restores rights of forest dwellers over land and forest produce.
- Four rights: Title, Use, Relief, Forest Management.
- Gram Sabha is the authority to determine rights.

Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016
- Establishes National and State CAF.
- 90% funds to states; 10% to centre.
- Uses: afforestation, wildlife management, catchment treatment, conflict mitigation.
- Annual audit by CAG.

Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act, 2001
- IPR protection to breeders, researchers, and farmers.
- Farmers may save, reuse, share seeds (but not sell branded seeds).
- Compensation to farmers for non-performing varieties.

Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
- Prevents water pollution; establishes CPCB & SPCBs.
- Water Cess Act (1977) finances pollution control boards.

Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
- Defines air pollutants; aims to control air pollution.
- First major air pollution law in India.

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
- Statutory body under Water Act.  
- Functions under Air Act & EPA 1986.  
- Coordinates SPCBs, monitors air/water quality.

National Board for Wildlife (NBWL)
- Statutory body under WPA, 1972.
- Chaired by PM; advisory role.
- Approves projects in/near protected areas.
- Standing Committee chaired by MoEFCC Minister.
 

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Subject: Environment

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