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CAPF-AC (Assistant Commandant) Exam Study Material : Environment & Ecology - Some Important Facts To Digest

Environment & Ecology

Chronology of Legislations : Forest & Environment Legislation

1865 : Indian Forest Act passed.
1878 : Act revised. Provision of “Reserve” and protected forest made.
1927 : The act of 1878 was revised. Indian forest Act 1927 with various amendments by the states.
1972 : Wildlife Protection Act 1972 passed to provide greater attention to conservation of wildlife.
1976 : Tree Protection Act 1976 for protection of trees in rural and urban areas of hills.
1980 : Forest conservation Act 1980 passed to prohibit non-forestry use of forest land without prior approval of Government.
1991 : Wildlife (Protection) Act 1991 (Amendment) to make 1972 Act more comprehensive.

This Act, passed in 1972, deals with the declaration of National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries and their notification. It establishes the structure of the State’s wildlife management and the posts designated for Wildlife Management.
It provides for setting up Wildlife Advisory Boards. It prohibits hunting of all animals specified in Schedules I to IV of the Act. These are notified in order of their danger of extinction. Plants that are protected are included in Schedule VI.
The Amendment to the Wildlife Protection Act in 2002 is more stringent and prevents the commercial use of resources by local people. It has brought in new concepts such as the creation of Community Reserves. It has also altered several definitions. For instance, under animals, fish are now included. Forest produce has been redefined to ensure the protection of ecosystems.