This is a classic 'Sitter' found directly in standard texts like Shankar IAS or Majid Hussain. It rewards reading the 'Salient Features' of the Wildlife Protection Act rather than just memorizing animal names. The question tests legal structure (licensing vs. bans) rather than obscure trivia.
How this question is built
This question can be broken into the following sub-statements.
Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.
Statement 1
Does Schedule VI of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 require a licence to cultivate plant species listed in Schedule VI?
Origin: Direct from books
Fairness: Straightforward
Book-answerable
From standard books
Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 5: Biodiversity and Legislations > the wildlife act, 1972 > p. 13
Presence: 5/5
“Te Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 provides the following: • (i) Protection of specifed plants.• (ii) Prohibition of hunting of wild animals.• (iii) Declaration of sanctuaries, national parks, and closed areas.• (iv) Management of sanctuaries, national parks, and closed areas.• (v) Constitution of Central Zoo Authority.• (vi) Granting licence for hunting of animals for the purpose of education, scientifc research, and scientifc management.• (vii) Granting of licence (permits) for picking, uprooting, etc. of specifed plants for the purpose of education, and scientifc research.• (viii) Granting of licence (permit) for trade and commerce in wild animals, and animal products.• (ix) Granting of licence (permits) for cultivation of specifed but otherwise prohibited plants.• (x) Protecting the rights of Scheduled Tribes Population.• (xi) Penalties for violation of various provisions of the Act.”
Why this source?
- Explicitly lists 'Granting of licence (permits) for cultivation of specified but otherwise prohibited plants' as a provision of the Act.
- Links cultivation of certain protected plants to a licensing regime rather than unrestricted cultivation.
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 15: Protected Area Network > r5.r.3. Salient features of the Act: > p. 212
Presence: 3/5
“• The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 is a product of process which started long ago in 1887 for the protection of a few wild birds and after addition of wild animals in 1987 and specified plants in 1990 it covered almost all wildlife resources which need protection and management. • i. The rating of the Schedules I to V is in accordance with the risk of survival of the wildlife (fauna) enlisted in them. 3. With the amendment of the Act in t99r, powers of the State Governments have been withdrawn almost totaily. Now the State Governments are not emprlwered to declare any wild animal a vermin.”
Why this source?
- Notes that 'specified plants' were added to the Act (1990), indicating plant-specific regulatory provisions were incorporated.
- Mentions the schedules framework, implying regulated categorization of species which supports the existence of schedule-based controls.
Statement 2
Are plant species listed under Schedule VI of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 completely banned from cultivation under any circumstances?
Origin: Weak / unclear
Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 5: Biodiversity and Legislations > the wildlife act, 1972 > p. 13
Strength: 5/5
“Te Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 provides the following: • (i) Protection of specifed plants.• (ii) Prohibition of hunting of wild animals.• (iii) Declaration of sanctuaries, national parks, and closed areas.• (iv) Management of sanctuaries, national parks, and closed areas.• (v) Constitution of Central Zoo Authority.• (vi) Granting licence for hunting of animals for the purpose of education, scientifc research, and scientifc management.• (vii) Granting of licence (permits) for picking, uprooting, etc. of specifed plants for the purpose of education, and scientifc research.• (viii) Granting of licence (permit) for trade and commerce in wild animals, and animal products.• (ix) Granting of licence (permits) for cultivation of specifed but otherwise prohibited plants.• (x) Protecting the rights of Scheduled Tribes Population.• (xi) Penalties for violation of various provisions of the Act.”
Why relevant
Explicitly states the Act provides for granting licences (permits) for cultivation of 'specified but otherwise prohibited plants'.
How to extend
A student could infer that listing does not necessarily mean an absolute ban — check if Schedule VI species are 'specified' for which permits may be issued under the Act.
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 15: Protected Area Network > r5.r.3. Salient features of the Act: > p. 212
Strength: 4/5
“• The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 is a product of process which started long ago in 1887 for the protection of a few wild birds and after addition of wild animals in 1987 and specified plants in 1990 it covered almost all wildlife resources which need protection and management. • i. The rating of the Schedules I to V is in accordance with the risk of survival of the wildlife (fauna) enlisted in them. 3. With the amendment of the Act in t99r, powers of the State Governments have been withdrawn almost totaily. Now the State Governments are not emprlwered to declare any wild animal a vermin.”
Why relevant
Notes that 'specified plants' were added to the Act (in 1990), indicating plants are a distinct category within the schedules and subject to particular rules.
How to extend
Use this to justify looking up how Schedule VI (the plant schedule) is defined and whether it contains clauses on exceptions or permitting cultivation.
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 11: Schedule Animals of WPA 1972 > 11.1. SCHEDULE LIST-WPA, 1972 > p. 171
Strength: 4/5
“Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972 consists of 6 schedule lists, which give varying degrees of protection.
Poaching, smuggling and illegal trade of animals listed Schedule 1 to schedule 4 are prohibited.”
Why relevant
Explains that the WPA has multiple schedules with 'varying degrees of protection', implying different schedules impose different restrictions rather than a uniform absolute ban.
How to extend
Apply this pattern to suspect Schedule VI may impose a particular type/level of restriction (not necessarily an absolute cultivation ban).
Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > nAtIonAl pArKs. > p. 38
Strength: 3/5
“Te National Parks are gateway to conservation ethics. National Parks are the areas that have been reserved strictly for the welfare of wildlife, plants, and where such activities as forestry, grazing, cultivation, etc. are banned. Te following activities are strictly prohibited in the National parks: • (i) Hunting, killing or capturing of animals.• (ii) Deprivation of any wild animal of its habitat.• (iii) Destruction and collection of plants.• (iv) Use of weapons• (v) Grazing by any livestock other than wild animals of the national park.• (vi) Alteration of boundaries of national parks. Te total number of national parks in India in 2012 was 100.”
Why relevant
States that in National Parks activities like cultivation are banned, showing location-based prohibitions can overlay schedule protections.
How to extend
Combine this with Schedule VI listing to consider that cultivation might be allowed in general but prohibited within protected areas — so exceptions could be spatially conditional.
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 4: Aquatic Ecosystem > 4.I0. GOVERNMENT MEASURES TO PROTECT MANGROVE FOREST AND CORAL REEF(S) (OR COASTAL ECOSYSTEM) > p. 54
Strength: 3/5
“. 'I'o enforce and implement the CRZ and IPZ Notifications, the Ministry of Environment and Forests has constituted the National and State-level Coastal Zone Management Authorities. sI{ANKAFI ffi tngACADEMY" T: r-r \ik-l l !l/1r a The Ministry of Environment & Forests also provides financial assistance to Coastal States, Union Territories, who so request, under its Centrally Sponsored Scheme for conservation and management of mangroves and coral reef. • In addition, Coral reef is included in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which affords it the highest degree of protection. • Further, Protected Areas, viz., National Parks, Sanctuaries and Marine Biosphere Reserves have been created all over the country under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 to conserve marine life including coastal reef. • The”
Why relevant
Gives an example (coral reef) of an entry in a schedule receiving 'highest degree of protection', showing schedules can vary in strictness and that specific entries matter.
How to extend
Use as a model to check whether Schedule VI entries include absolute prohibitions or conditional protections (e.g., permits/exemptions).
Statement 3
Does listing under Schedule VI of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 indicate that a plant species is a genetically modified crop?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs
Fairness: CA heavy
Web-answerable
"SCHEDULE VI of Wild Life Protection Act, 1972 (See Section 2) 1. Beddomes cycad (Cycas beddomei) 2. Blue Vanda (Vanda soerulec) 3. Kuth (Saussurea lappa) 4. Ladies sliper orchids (Paphiopedilurn spp.) 5. Pitcher plant (Nepenthes khasiana)"
Why this source?
- Passage explicitly shows Schedule VI listing contains named botanical species (e.g., Cycas beddomei, Nepenthes khasiana).
- The items are conventional species names (native plants/orchids), with no reference to genetic modification.
- Thus the Schedule VI list in the passage represents protected plant species, not GM crops.
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 11: Schedule Animals of WPA 1972 > 11.1. SCHEDULE LIST-WPA, 1972 > p. 171
Strength: 5/5
“Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972 consists of 6 schedule lists, which give varying degrees of protection.
Poaching, smuggling and illegal trade of animals listed Schedule 1 to schedule 4 are prohibited.”
Why relevant
States the WPA consists of six schedule lists that give varying degrees of protection and regulate poaching, smuggling and illegal trade.
How to extend
A student could extend this by noting that schedules classify protection status, so Schedule VI likely denotes a conservation/regulatory category rather than a technology (GM) label.
Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 5: Biodiversity and Legislations > the wildlife act, 1972 > p. 13
Strength: 5/5
“Te Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 provides the following: • (i) Protection of specifed plants.• (ii) Prohibition of hunting of wild animals.• (iii) Declaration of sanctuaries, national parks, and closed areas.• (iv) Management of sanctuaries, national parks, and closed areas.• (v) Constitution of Central Zoo Authority.• (vi) Granting licence for hunting of animals for the purpose of education, scientifc research, and scientifc management.• (vii) Granting of licence (permits) for picking, uprooting, etc. of specifed plants for the purpose of education, and scientifc research.• (viii) Granting of licence (permit) for trade and commerce in wild animals, and animal products.• (ix) Granting of licence (permits) for cultivation of specifed but otherwise prohibited plants.• (x) Protecting the rights of Scheduled Tribes Population.• (xi) Penalties for violation of various provisions of the Act.”
Why relevant
Lists provisions of the Act including 'Protection of specified plants' and 'Granting of licence (permits) for cultivation of specified but otherwise prohibited plants.'
How to extend
One can infer Schedule listings relate to protection/controlled cultivation and could check whether permissions concern wild/rare plants rather than biotech status.
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 15: Protected Area Network > r5.r.3. Salient features of the Act: > p. 212
Strength: 4/5
“• The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 is a product of process which started long ago in 1887 for the protection of a few wild birds and after addition of wild animals in 1987 and specified plants in 1990 it covered almost all wildlife resources which need protection and management. • i. The rating of the Schedules I to V is in accordance with the risk of survival of the wildlife (fauna) enlisted in them. 3. With the amendment of the Act in t99r, powers of the State Governments have been withdrawn almost totaily. Now the State Governments are not emprlwered to declare any wild animal a vermin.”
Why relevant
Notes that 'specified plants' were added to the Act in 1990 and that schedules I–V are ratings according to risk of survival (for fauna).
How to extend
A student could reason schedules were introduced for conservation risk categories and therefore Schedule VI likely follows the same conservation/management logic for plants, not GM designation.
Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 11: Agriculture - Part II > 11.8 Genetically Modified (GM) Crops > p. 342
Strength: 5/5
“GM crops are plants whose DNA (a molecule that encodes the Genetic Information) has been modified using Genetic Engineering. The following are some benefits of GM crops: • More nutritional value• Resistance to bacteria, virus and other components that can damage the plant• Longer shelf life• Less costly GM foods and higher yields The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is the apex body for regulating GM crops, in the Ministry of Environment and Forest under the Environment Protections Act 1986. At present, the government allows commercial production of only one GM crop which is BT cotton and is allowed since 2002.”
Why relevant
Explains GM crops are regulated by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and defines what GM crops are.
How to extend
Using this, a student can distinguish that GM crop approval and regulation is handled by GEAC/EPA framework, separate from WPA schedule listings.
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > GENETICALLY MODIFIED (GM) CROPS > p. 301
Strength: 4/5
“• According to WHO, Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) are the plants, animals or microorganisms in which the hereditary material (DNA) is altered in a manner that does not happen normally by mating or potentially regular recombination. It is also known as modern biotechnology/gene technology.• When genetic modification of a plant is performed, foreign gene (transgene) or gene of some other organism is artificially inserted into the plant's own genes. This is gene modification.”
Why relevant
Defines GMOs and the process of genetic modification (foreign gene insertion) — a definitional frame for what 'GM' means.
How to extend
A student could use this definition to check the relevant regulatory/legislative instrument for GM status (biotech-specific bodies) rather than assuming a conservation schedule indicates genetic modification.
Statement 4
Are plant species listed under Schedule VI of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 classified as invasive and harmful to the ecosystem?
Origin: Weak / unclear
Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 11: Schedule Animals of WPA 1972 > 11.1. SCHEDULE LIST-WPA, 1972 > p. 171
Strength: 4/5
“Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972 consists of 6 schedule lists, which give varying degrees of protection.
Poaching, smuggling and illegal trade of animals listed Schedule 1 to schedule 4 are prohibited.”
Why relevant
States the WPA, 1972 consists of 6 schedule lists which give varying degrees of protection.
How to extend
A student could infer that being listed in a Schedule likely relates to protection status rather than classification as 'invasive', and check Schedule VI text to see if it confers protection or restriction.
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 15: Protected Area Network > r5.r.3. Salient features of the Act: > p. 212
Strength: 4/5
“• The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 is a product of process which started long ago in 1887 for the protection of a few wild birds and after addition of wild animals in 1987 and specified plants in 1990 it covered almost all wildlife resources which need protection and management. • i. The rating of the Schedules I to V is in accordance with the risk of survival of the wildlife (fauna) enlisted in them. 3. With the amendment of the Act in t99r, powers of the State Governments have been withdrawn almost totaily. Now the State Governments are not emprlwered to declare any wild animal a vermin.”
Why relevant
Says 'specified plants' were added to the Act in 1990, indicating the Act includes provisions specifically for plants as well as animals.
How to extend
One could use this to infer the schedules including plants were intended for conservation/protection and then compare Schedule VI entries against invasive species lists.
Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 5: Biodiversity and Legislations > the wildlife act, 1972 > p. 13
Strength: 5/5
“Te Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 provides the following: • (i) Protection of specifed plants.• (ii) Prohibition of hunting of wild animals.• (iii) Declaration of sanctuaries, national parks, and closed areas.• (iv) Management of sanctuaries, national parks, and closed areas.• (v) Constitution of Central Zoo Authority.• (vi) Granting licence for hunting of animals for the purpose of education, scientifc research, and scientifc management.• (vii) Granting of licence (permits) for picking, uprooting, etc. of specifed plants for the purpose of education, and scientifc research.• (viii) Granting of licence (permit) for trade and commerce in wild animals, and animal products.• (ix) Granting of licence (permits) for cultivation of specifed but otherwise prohibited plants.• (x) Protecting the rights of Scheduled Tribes Population.• (xi) Penalties for violation of various provisions of the Act.”
Why relevant
Lists the Act's provisions: protection of specified plants, permits for picking/uprooting, and permits for cultivation of 'specified but otherwise prohibited plants'.
How to extend
Suggests the Act regulates and protects certain plants (including restricting harvesting/cultivation), so students can test whether Schedule VI plants are protected/restricted species rather than labelled 'invasive'.
INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Natural Vegetation > WILDLIFE CONSERVATION IN INDIA > p. 47
Strength: 4/5
“The protection of wildlife has a long tradition in India. Many stories of Panchtantra and Jungle Books, etc. have stood the test of time relating to the love for wildlife. These have a profound impact on young minds. In 1972, a comprehensive Wildlife Act was enacted, which provides the main legal framework for conservation and protection of wildlife in India. The two main objectives of the Act are; to provide protection to the endangered species listed in the schedule of the Act and to provide legal support to the conservation areas of the country classified as National parks, sanctuaries and closed areas.”
Why relevant
Explains the Act's objective is to provide protection to endangered species listed in its schedules and support conservation areas.
How to extend
Implies schedule listings are for conservation of endangered species; a student could check whether Schedule VI plants are listed for protection (endangered) rather than for control as invasive species.
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 4: Aquatic Ecosystem > 4.I0. GOVERNMENT MEASURES TO PROTECT MANGROVE FOREST AND CORAL REEF(S) (OR COASTAL ECOSYSTEM) > p. 54
Strength: 3/5
“. 'I'o enforce and implement the CRZ and IPZ Notifications, the Ministry of Environment and Forests has constituted the National and State-level Coastal Zone Management Authorities. sI{ANKAFI ffi tngACADEMY" T: r-r \ik-l l !l/1r a The Ministry of Environment & Forests also provides financial assistance to Coastal States, Union Territories, who so request, under its Centrally Sponsored Scheme for conservation and management of mangroves and coral reef. • In addition, Coral reef is included in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which affords it the highest degree of protection. • Further, Protected Areas, viz., National Parks, Sanctuaries and Marine Biosphere Reserves have been created all over the country under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 to conserve marine life including coastal reef. • The”
Why relevant
Notes that coral reef is included in Schedule I and that inclusion affords the highest degree of protection.
How to extend
Provides an example that items placed in Schedules are given protection status, supporting the idea that schedule inclusion typically denotes protection, so one should verify whether Schedule VI plants are similarly protected or instead designated for control.
Pattern takeaway:
UPSC loves 'Administrative Nuance' in environmental laws. They want you to know that conservation laws often allow sustainable use (cultivation) via licensing, rather than imposing blanket bans which would harm farmers' livelihoods.
How you should have studied
- [THE VERDICT]: Sitter. Direct hit from Shankar IAS (Chapter: Protected Area Network / WPA Schedules) or Majid Hussain.
- [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: The structure of the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972—specifically the distinction between Animal Schedules (I-V) and the Plant Schedule (VI).
- [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the 6 specific plants originally in Schedule VI: 1. Beddome’s cycad, 2. Blue Vanda, 3. Red Vanda, 4. Kuth, 5. Ladies slipper orchids, 6. Pitcher plant. *Update*: Post-2022 Amendment, WPA has only 4 Schedules; Plants are now in Schedule III.
- [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Do not assume 'Protection' equals 'Total Ban'. Indian law rarely bans activities 'under any circumstances' (Option B). It usually creates a 'Permit Raj'. Study laws by asking: Who regulates? (Chief Wildlife Warden), What is allowed? (Cultivation with licence), and What is the penalty?
Concept hooks from this question
👉 Licensing for cultivation of specified plants under WPA
💡 The insight
The Act contains a specific provision authorizing licences for cultivation of specified (otherwise prohibited) plants, directly bearing on whether cultivation requires permission.
High-yield for questions on legal controls over flora: explains the administrative mechanism (licence) used to regulate cultivation of protected plants and links to regulation vs. prohibition distinctions; useful in governance and environment-law mains and prelims questions.
📚 Reading List :
- Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 5: Biodiversity and Legislations > the wildlife act, 1972 > p. 13
🔗 Anchor: "Does Schedule VI of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 require a licence to culti..."
👉 Schedules in the Wildlife Protection Act and protection hierarchy
💡 The insight
The Act is organised into schedules that assign differing degrees of protection to species, which frames how plants or animals are regulated.
Important for understanding how statutory protections vary across species groups; connects to policy questions on prioritisation of conservation, enforcement powers, and schedule-based restrictions in MCQs and essay topics.
📚 Reading List :
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 11: Schedule Animals of WPA 1972 > 11.1. SCHEDULE LIST-WPA, 1972 > p. 171
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 15: Protected Area Network > r5.r.3. Salient features of the Act: > p. 212
🔗 Anchor: "Does Schedule VI of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 require a licence to culti..."
👉 1990 inclusion of 'specified plants' into the Act
💡 The insight
The 1990 amendment added specified plants to the Act, creating plant-specific regulatory and licensing provisions relevant to cultivation controls.
Helps answer timeline and amendment-based questions on legal evolution of wildlife protection; ties into themes of legislative updates, centralization of powers, and expanding scope from fauna to flora.
📚 Reading List :
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 15: Protected Area Network > r5.r.3. Salient features of the Act: > p. 212
- Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 5: Biodiversity and Legislations > the wildlife act, 1972 > p. 13
🔗 Anchor: "Does Schedule VI of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 require a licence to culti..."
👉 Licensing exceptions for protected plants under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
💡 The insight
The Act permits issuance of licences for picking, uprooting, and cultivation of specified plants, so Schedule VI plants are not universally banned from cultivation.
High-yield for legal/administrative questions: teaches that protection status can include regulated permissions, not absolute prohibition. Connects conservation law to licence/permit regimes and to topics like research/education exemptions and regulated trade. Enables answering questions that contrast species protection with authorised uses.
📚 Reading List :
- Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 5: Biodiversity and Legislations > the wildlife act, 1972 > p. 13
🔗 Anchor: "Are plant species listed under Schedule VI of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 ..."
👉 Schedules of the Wildlife Protection Act and gradation of protection
💡 The insight
The WPA comprises multiple schedules that assign varying degrees of protection to wildlife, implying protection is graded rather than identical for every list.
Important for questions on classification and legal consequences: knowing that there are six schedules and that protection levels differ helps decode statutory implications for species. Links to amendment history and policy design in biodiversity law; useful for comparative questions on status and penalties.
📚 Reading List :
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 11: Schedule Animals of WPA 1972 > 11.1. SCHEDULE LIST-WPA, 1972 > p. 171
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 15: Protected Area Network > r5.r.3. Salient features of the Act: > p. 212
🔗 Anchor: "Are plant species listed under Schedule VI of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 ..."
👉 Activity bans within National Parks versus statutory permissions
💡 The insight
National Parks impose strict bans on activities like cultivation and collection of plants, which is a location-based restriction distinct from species-specific licensing elsewhere under the Act.
Helps distinguish spatial instruments (protected areas) from species-specific regulatory mechanisms; crucial for questions on where protections apply and when licences may be granted. Connects to land-use policy, rights of local communities, and enforcement regimes.
📚 Reading List :
- Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > nAtIonAl pArKs. > p. 38
- Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 5: Biodiversity and Legislations > the wildlife act, 1972 > p. 13
🔗 Anchor: "Are plant species listed under Schedule VI of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 ..."
👉 Schedules and plant protection under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
💡 The insight
The Act contains schedules and explicitly provides protection and licensing provisions for specified plants.
High-yield for questions on biodiversity law and conservation policy: it clarifies the legal mechanism used to protect plant species and governs permits for picking, uprooting or cultivating specified plants. Mastering this links to forest/wildlife law, protected area management, and human-rights/forest-community issues in UPSC mains and prelims.
📚 Reading List :
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 15: Protected Area Network > r5.r.3. Salient features of the Act: > p. 212
- Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 5: Biodiversity and Legislations > the wildlife act, 1972 > p. 13
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 11: Schedule Animals of WPA 1972 > 11.1. SCHEDULE LIST-WPA, 1972 > p. 171
🔗 Anchor: "Does listing under Schedule VI of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 indicate tha..."
The 'Vermin' Trap: Formerly Schedule V listed vermin (rats, crows). Now, under the 2022 Amendment, the Central Government declares vermin via notification (Schedule II), not by a fixed schedule list. Also, remember: GM Crops are regulated under the Environment Protection Act, 1986 (GEAC), NOT the Wildlife Protection Act.
Use the 'Extreme Absolutism' filter. Option B says 'cannot be cultivated under ANY circumstances'—this is legally impractical for plants that might have medicinal value. Option C (GM) belongs to the EPA 1986/GEAC domain. Option D (Invasive) is a negative trait, whereas WPA Schedules are 'Honor Lists' for protection. Option A is the only moderate, administrative statement.
Link to Economy (GS3): The cultivation of Schedule VI plants (like Kuth/Saussurea lappa) is a high-value agricultural activity in the Himalayas. The 'Licence' requirement is a Non-Tariff Barrier or regulatory hurdle affecting the 'Ease of Doing Business' for medicinal plant farmers.