The correct option is (c).
Explanation
Wildlife Sanctuaries are protected areas declared under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. They are established to protect and propagate wildlife and their environment. A key distinction between a Wildlife Sanctuary and a National Park is the degree of protection; Sanctuaries allow for certain human activities and rights, provided they do not interfere with the wildlife, whereas National Parks maintain a stricter prohibition on human interference.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: Grazing by livestock is not strictly prohibited in a Wildlife Sanctuary. Under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the Chief Wildlife Warden has the authority to regulate, control, or prohibit grazing. In contrast, grazing is strictly prohibited in National Parks.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The collection of forest produce, including medicinal plants and firewood, is permitted to a certain extent for local communities, subject to the permission of the Chief Wildlife Warden. It is not strictly prohibited unless specifically banned for conservation reasons.
- Statement 3 is Correct: Poaching, hunting, or capturing of wild animals is strictly prohibited in all protected areas, including Wildlife Sanctuaries, under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Statement 4 is Correct: Commercial logging and the exploitation of timber for commercial purposes are prohibited in Wildlife Sanctuaries. While local communities may be granted rights for sustenance, commercial extraction is banned to preserve the habitat.
Key Takeaway: In a Wildlife Sanctuary, certain rights (grazing, collection of minor forest produce) can be allowed by the Chief Wildlife Warden, whereas in a National Park, no human rights or activities are permitted.