UPSC Prelims 2011 Q25: Environment & Ecology – Environmental Governance & Legislation
With reference to India, consider the following Central Acts:
1. Import and Export (Control) Act, 1947
2. Mining and Mineral Development (Regulation) Act, 1957
3. Customs Act, 1962
4. Indian Forest Act, 1927
Which of the above Acts have relevance to/bearing on the biodiversity conservation in the
country?
- (a) 1 and 3 only
- (b) 2, 3 and 4 only
- (c) 1, 2, 3 and 4
- (d) None of the above Acts
Answer: (c) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Explanation
Central Acts relevant to biodiversity conservation
Biodiversity conservation in India draws on laws beyond the obvious wildlife/forest statutes, including trade and resource-regulation Acts.
| Act | Relevant to biodiversity? | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Import and Export (Control) Act, 1947 | Yes | Used to regulate/restrict trade in wildlife products and endangered species |
| 2. Mines and Minerals (Regulation and Development) Act, 1957 | Yes | Mining activity affects habitats; the Act's regulation of mining has a conservation bearing |
| 3. Customs Act, 1962 | Yes | Used to check illegal export/import of wildlife products at the border |
| 4. Indian Forest Act, 1927 | Yes | Governs forest land and produce, directly tied to habitat and biodiversity protection |
Why these 'non-obvious' Acts matter:
| Act | Conservation role |
|---|---|
| Import-Export Control + Customs Acts | Stop smuggling of ivory, skins, timber |
| Mines Act | Regulate mining's ecological footprint |
| Forest Act | Core law for forest and habitat management |
Answer: (c) 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The Mining Act and the Forest Act are also relevant to biodiversity conservation.
- (b) Incorrect. The Import and Export (Control) Act is also relevant, used to check trade in wildlife products.
- (c) CORRECT. All four Acts — trade control, mining, customs and forest law — have a bearing on biodiversity conservation.
- (d) Incorrect. All four Acts do have relevance; 'none' is wrong.
Key point
All four Acts (Import-Export Control 1947, Mines and Minerals Regulation 1957, Customs Act 1962, Indian Forest Act 1927) have a bearing on biodiversity conservation, through trade control, mining regulation and forest/habitat protection.
Remember
Trade, customs, mining and forest laws all bear on biodiversity conservation.
Common mistakes
- Assuming only the Wild Life (Protection) Act or the Forest Act matter for biodiversity.
- Overlooking that trade-control laws (Import-Export, Customs) stop wildlife smuggling.
- Thinking a mining law has nothing to do with conservation; it regulates habitat-damaging activity.
Exam tip
Biodiversity law in India is not limited to 'wildlife' Acts — trade, customs and mining laws all play a supporting role.
Sources
- Import and Export (Control) Act, 1947
- Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957
- Customs Act, 1962
- Indian Forest Act, 1927