Why Conservation Laws?
Human activities are progressively reducing the planet’s life supporting capacity and continue to deteriorate. Goal of Conservation is to have integration of conservation and development to ensure that modifications to the planet do indeed secure the survival and well being of the people.

Conservation Objectives

• Maintenance of essential ecological processes and life support systems
• Preservation of genetic diversity
• Sustainable utilization of species and ecosystems

Constitutional Safeguards
Art 48-A. The state shall endeavor to protect and improve the environment and to safe guard the forests and wildlife of the country.

Art 51-A (g). It shall be the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers & wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures

Conservation Laws
There are various conservation policies, acts, rules, guidelines etc dealing with forestry, wildlife and environment. Important laws include:
Tamilnadu Forest Act 1882
Tamilnadu Hill Area (PT) Act 1955
Tamilnadu Preservation of Private Forest Act 1949
Cattle Trespass Act 1871
Indian Forest Act 1927
Wildlife Protection Act 1972
Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Act 2002
Forest Conservation Act 1980 with amendments (1988)
Environment Protection Act 1986
Biological Diversity Act 2002
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960
Code of Criminal Procedure 1973
Indian Penal Code 1860