Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements:
The boundaries of a National Park are defined by legislation.
A Biosphere Reserve is declared to conserve a few specific species of flora and fauna.
In a Wildlife Sanctuary, limited biotic interference is permitted.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: C
Detailed Solution
Statement 1 is correct: A National Park is a legally protected area, and its boundaries are determined through notification under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
A State Government may declare an area of ecological, faunal, floral or geomorphological importance a National Park after completing the prescribed legal process.
The final notification of a National Park clearly describes its area and boundaries.
The boundaries of a National Park cannot be altered through an ordinary administrative order; the procedure prescribed under the Act and the recommendation of the National Board for Wildlife are required.
Wildlife, vegetation and habitat within a National Park receive comparatively strict legal protection.
Activities such as exploiting forest produce, damaging wildlife or habitat and grazing livestock are generally prohibited.
Statement 2 is incorrect: A Biosphere Reserve is not declared merely to conserve a few specific species of flora or fauna.
Its objective is to conserve the entire ecosystem, landscape, genetic diversity, species diversity and traditional knowledge associated with local communities.
A Biosphere Reserve also promotes research, education, monitoring and sustainable use of natural resources along with conservation.
A Biosphere Reserve is generally divided into core, buffer and transition zones.
The core zone receives strict protection, the buffer zone may support research and limited compatible activities, and the transition zone promotes sustainable development with community participation.
Therefore, a Biosphere Reserve focuses on conserving the entire ecological and socio-environmental landscape rather than one or a few species.
Statement 3 is correct: Limited and regulated biotic interference may be permitted in a Wildlife Sanctuary.
Certain legally recognised local rights and activities may continue even after the declaration of a sanctuary.
Grazing, use of routes or limited use of certain resources may be controlled by the competent authority and the management plan.
This is one of the major practical differences in the legal management of a Wildlife Sanctuary compared with a National Park.
Nevertheless, any activity in a sanctuary is permitted only subject to the conservation of wildlife and its habitat.