Conservation Laws and Wildlife Protection in India: Ecological Implications and Legal Challenges
Rubi Dutta
*
Tezpur Law College, Assam, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
India, known for its rich biodiversity, confronts growing difficulties in safeguarding its wildlife due to swift urban development, industrial growth, and climate change. The nation has established a strong legal system to protect its plants and animals, with important laws like the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, Forest Conservation Act, 1980, and Biological Diversity Act, 2002 being crucial in conservation initiatives. Nevertheless, in spite of these legal safeguards, India still faces challenges such as habitat loss, poaching, illicit wildlife trafficking, and conflicts between humans and wildlife. This study explores the complex connection between environmental legislation and wildlife protection in India, emphasizing the influence of legal structures on conservation strategies and their effects on biodiversity. It explores judicial interpretations and significant cases, examining how courts have aided in enhancing wildlife protection statutes under constitutional clauses like Article 21 (Right to Life) and the Directive Principles of State Policy (Article 48A & Article 51A(g)). The research additionally investigates the scientific and zoological dimensions of conservation, highlighting the importance of ecological studies in shaping sustainable policies.
Keywords: Environmental law, wildlife protection, conservation, biodiversity, India, judicial interpretation, policy frameworks