(a) whether the Government has dropped or propose to drop 190 plants from the protection of
the Biological Diversity Act, 2002;
(b) if so, the details thereof and reasons therefor;
(c) whether State Governments were consulted before taking the such decision;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE ) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS(SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)
(a) & (b) No, Sir.The Government has not dropped or propose to drop 190 plants from the
protection of Biological Diversity Act, 2002. The Notification dated 26.10.2009 lists 190
biological resources which would be exempt from the purview of the Biological Diversity Act,
2002, provided they are traded as commodities for export. However, in case these resources are
used for any other purpose including research or industrial use, prior approval of the National
Biodiversity Authority would be required as per the provisions of the Act.
(c) to (e) The Notification dated 26.10.2009 has been issued under Section 40 of the Biological
Diversity Act, which provides that the Central Government may notify such items in consultation
with the National Biodiversity Authority. Section 40 does not require consultations on the
subject with the State Governments.