UPSC Prelims 2012 · Question 90 of 98

UPSC Prelims 2012 question on National Park Biomass Restrictions

In which one among the following categories of protected areas in India are local people not allowed to collect and use the biomass?

  1. Biosphere Reserves
  2. National Parks
  3. Wetlands declared under Ramsar Convention
  4. Wildlife Sanctuaries
Show answer

Answer: B. National Parks

Verdict

Correct Answer: National Parks

Analysis

National Parks receive the highest level of protection under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. They are meant to protect the entire ecosystem, so human activities and resource extraction are highly restricted.

1. Biosphere Reserves — Incorrect

Biosphere Reserves allow different levels of human activity through core, buffer and transition zones.

The core area is strictly protected, but the transition zone may allow settlements, farming and sustainable resource use.

2. National Parks — Correct

National Parks have the strictest protection among the given options.

No grazing, private rights, hunting, biomass collection or exploitation of wildlife habitat is normally allowed inside National Parks.

3. Wetlands — Incorrect

Wetlands, including Ramsar wetlands, follow the principle of “wise use”.

Traditional and sustainable activities like fishing or reed collection may be allowed if they do not damage the ecosystem.

4. Wildlife Sanctuaries — Incorrect

Wildlife Sanctuaries are protected areas, but they allow more flexibility than National Parks.

Certain local rights, such as grazing or collection of minor forest produce, may be permitted by the competent authority if they do not harm wildlife.

Extra UPSC info

* National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries are notified under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.

* National Parks protect the entire ecosystem, not just one species.

* Wildlife Sanctuaries may be created for protecting particular species or habitats.

* Biosphere Reserves follow a zonation system: core, buffer and transition zones.

* Eco-Sensitive Zones act as shock absorbers around protected areas.

* A Wildlife Sanctuary can be upgraded into a National Park, but National Parks have stricter legal protection.

How to crack it

National Parks are the most strictly protected category among the given options because human activities and biomass collection are generally not permitted inside them.

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