Rare Plants To Receive Protection Under WLPA

Currently, a person found carrying an endangered plant species can only be booked for cutting a tree and can be subjected to a maximum of six months imprisonment and a measly fine of Rs. 500. However, if the schedule is accepted under Indian law, plant smugglers will be dealt with as severely as poachers.

This move is a necessary step to boost the protection of rare and exploited plants such as Red sanders, Agarwood, Tandavari and a type of Himalayan Yew tree that are at the nucleus of robust illegal, national and international, trade.

Source: Hindustan Times.