If a particular plant species is placed under Schedule VI of The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, what is the implication? (UPSC Prelims 2020)

Question

The correct answer is [A] A licence is required to cultivate that plant. The Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972, was enacted to protect wild animals, birds, and plants.

Schedule VI Overview: This schedule was added to the Act by an amendment in 1991 to extend protection to specific plant species. It prohibits the picking, uprooting, damaging, or possession of these plants from any forest land or specified protected areas.
Cultivation Rules (Statement A - Correct): While the Act strictly regulates these plants in the wild, it provides a mechanism for their cultivation. Under Section 17C, no person shall cultivate a specified plant except under and in accordance with a licence granted by the Chief Wildlife Warden or an authorized officer.
Strict Prohibitions (Statement B - Incorrect): The law does not impose a blanket ban under all circumstances; it allows for cultivation and trade provided the individual holds the requisite legal permits and licenses.
Genetic Modification (Statement C - Incorrect): Schedule VI is based on the conservation status and rarity of a species (e.g., Beddomes\' cycad, Blue Vanda, Pitcher plant), not its genetic engineering status.
Invasive Species (Statement D - Incorrect): The schedule is designed to protect endangered or rare native flora from over-exploitation, rather than to label species as invasive or harmful.

Historically, plants like the Kuth (Saussurea lappa) and Red Sanders were notable inclusions requiring such licenses for trade and cultivation.

GKToday Admin · Accepted Answer

A licence is required to cultivate that plant. The correct answer is [A] A licence is required to cultivate that plant. The Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972, was enacted to protect wild animals, birds, and plants.

Schedule VI Overview: This schedule was added to the Act by an amendment in 1991 to extend protection to specific plant species. It prohibits the picking, uprooting, damaging, or possession of these plants from any forest land or specified protected areas.
Cultivation Rules (Statement A - Correct): While the Act strictly regulates these plants in the wild, it provides a mechanism for their cultivation. Under Section 17C, no person shall cultivate a specified plant except under and in accordance with a licence granted by the Chief Wildlife Warden or an authorized officer.
Strict Prohibitions (Statement B - Incorrect): The law does not impose a blanket ban under all circumstances; it allows for cultivation and trade provided the individual holds the requisite legal permits and licenses.
Genetic Modification (Statement C - Incorrect): Schedule VI is based on the conservation status and rarity of a species (e.g., Beddomes\' cycad, Blue Vanda, Pitcher plant), not its genetic engineering status.
Invasive Species (Statement D - Incorrect): The schedule is designed to protect endangered or rare native flora from over-exploitation, rather than to label species as invasive or harmful.

Historically, plants like the Kuth (Saussurea lappa) and Red Sanders were notable inclusions requiring such licenses for trade and cultivation.

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