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

1. A. a license is required to cultivate that plant.
2. B. Such a plant cannot be cultivated under any circumstances.
3. C. It is a Genetically Modified crop plant.
4. D. Such a plant is invasive and harmful to the ecosystem.

Answer: A

Explanation

Option (a) is the correct answer: There are six schedules under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The specified endemic plants in Schedule VI are prohibited from cultivation and planting. The hunting to the Enforcement authorities have the power to compound offences under this Schedule (i.e. they impose fines on the offenders). The wildlife Protection Act defines “specified plant” as any plant specified in Schedule VI. It further states that “Cultivation of specified plants without license prohibited. – (1) no person shall cultivate a specified plant except under, and in accordance with a license granted by the Chief Wildlife Warden or any other officer authorized by the State Government in this behalf; 2) Every license granted under this section shall specify the area in which and the conditions, if any, subject to which the licensee shall cultivate a specified plant.”