Prelims 2011 · archive
MediumWith 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?
Answer & explanation
Answer: (c) 1, 2, 3 and 4
All four Acts bear on biodiversity conservation. India's National Biodiversity Action Plan lists the Indian Forest Act, the Import and Export (Control) Act and the Mining and Mineral Development (Regulation) Act among Central Acts relevant to biodiversity conservation. The Customs Act enforces the import-export policy that regulates trade in wild flora and fauna.
- ✓ 1. The Import and Export (Control) Act, 1947 is listed in the National Biodiversity Action Plan among Central Acts relevant to biodiversity conservation. The import-export policy made under it governs trade in wild flora, fauna and their products.
- ✓ 2. The Mining and Mineral Development (Regulation) Act, 1957 is listed in the National Biodiversity Action Plan among Central Acts relevant to biodiversity conservation. Mining changes land use and affects forests and habitats.
- ✓ 3. The Import-Export Policy is enforced through the Customs Act, 1962. This makes it the tool for checking trade in wild flora and fauna at the border.
- ✓ 4. The Indian Forest Act, 1927 is listed in the National Biodiversity Action Plan among Central Acts relevant to biodiversity conservation. It provides the legal framework for reserved and protected forests.
- ✓ (c) All four Acts bear on biodiversity conservation. So 'None of the above' (d) and the partial combinations (a) and (b) are wrong.
Remember · The National Biodiversity Action Plan names the Indian Forest Act 1927, the Import and Export (Control) Act 1947 and the Mining and Mineral Development (Regulation) Act 1957 as biodiversity-relevant Central Acts. The Customs Act 1962 enforces the import-export policy on wildlife trade.
Sources
- National Biodiversity Action Plan (Government of India), Box 11: Important Central Acts and Rules having Relevance to Biodiversity Conservation ↗ “Box 11: Important Central Acts and Rules having Relevance to Biodiversity Conservation • Fisheries Act, 1897. • Destructive Insects and Pests Act, 1914. • The Indian Forest Act, 1927. … Import and Export (Control) Act, 1947. • Rubber (Production and Marketing) Act, 1947. • Tea Act, 1953. • Mining and Mineral Development (Regulation) Act, 1957”
- Implementation of Multilateral Environmental Agreements by India (CBD document) ↗ “The Import-Export Policy is enforced through the Customs Act (1962).”
Question: UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) 2011, General Studies paper. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 25 Oct 2026 (how we verify). ·