Himachal Pradesh Forest Department

Subject related to wildlife and its conservation in India draws strength from Article 48-A of ‘Directive Principles of State Policy under the Constitution of India, which states that “the state shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country”. The Constitution vide Article 51-A (g), specifying fundamental duties of the citizens of India, states that “it shall be the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures.

The primary law governing matters related to wildlife in the country is the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The state of Himachal Pradesh has adopted this Act and its subsequent amendments as the prime legislation to manage and guide wildlife related matters in the state