UPSC Prelims 2012 Q90: Environment & Ecology – Environmental Governance & Legislation
In which one among the following categories of protected areas in India are local people
NOT allowed to collect and use the biomass?
- (a) Biosphere Reserves
- (b) National Parks
- (c) Wetlands declared under Ramsar Convention
- (d) Wildlife Sanctuaries
Answer: (b) National Parks
Explanation
Where local people cannot collect biomass
| Protected area | Can local people collect and use biomass? | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Biosphere Reserves | Yes, in the buffer and transition zones | They are meant to combine conservation with people's needs |
| (b) National Parks | No | No human activity such as grazing or collecting forest produce is allowed |
| (c) Wetlands declared under Ramsar Convention | Yes | The Convention follows 'wise use' |
| (d) Wildlife Sanctuaries | Yes, to a limited extent | Some rights may continue with permission |
National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary compared (Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972):
| Point | National Park | Wildlife Sanctuary |
|---|---|---|
| Grazing | Banned | May be allowed |
| Rights of people | None allowed | Some rights can continue |
| Boundaries | Fixed; changed only by the State Legislature | Less rigid |
| Protection level | Higher | Lower |
Answer: (b) National Parks.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. In Biosphere Reserves, people use resources in the outer zones.
- (b) CORRECT. In National Parks, local people cannot collect and use the biomass.
- (c) Incorrect. Ramsar wetlands allow wise use by local people.
- (d) Incorrect. In Wildlife Sanctuaries, limited use can be permitted.
Key point
National Park: no grazing, no rights, strictest protection. Wildlife Sanctuary: some rights allowed. Biosphere Reserve: core, buffer and transition zones. Ramsar: wise use.
Remember
National Park = no human use at all.
Common mistakes
- Treating National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries as the same.
- Thinking a Biosphere Reserve is the strictest category because it is the largest.
- Forgetting that the Ramsar Convention allows sustainable use.
Exam tip
National Park is the strictest category in Indian law. If the question says 'not allowed', think of it first.
Sources
- Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 — Chapter IV (Sanctuaries and National Parks)
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change — Protected Areas of India