If a particular plant species is placed under Schedule VI of The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, what is the implication ?
- (a) A licence is required to cultivate that plant. ✓ UPSC's answer
- (b) Such a plant cannot be cultivated under any circumstances.
- (c) It is a Genetically Modified crop plant.
- (d) Such a plant is invasive and harmful to the ecosystem.
Why the answer is (a)
• Schedule VI of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 listed specified plants such as Beddome's cycad, blue vanda, red vanda, kuth, ladies' slipper orchids and pitcher plant.
• Under Sections 17A–17H, picking or uprooting these plants from the wild is prohibited, and cultivating them needs a licence from the Chief Wildlife Warden — option (a).
• Cultivation is regulated, not banned outright (b). The Schedule covers endangered native plants, not GM crops (c) or invasive species (d).
• After the 2022 amendment, specified plants are listed in Schedule III.
• Hence option (a).
Why the other options are wrong
- (b) Such a plant cannot be cultivated under any circumstances.
- Cultivation is permitted under a licence, not banned in all circumstances.
- (c) It is a Genetically Modified crop plant.
- Schedule VI lists endangered native plants, not GM crops.
- (d) Such a plant is invasive and harmful to the ecosystem.
- These are protected plants, not invasive species.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2020, held on 4 October 2020. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.