Which amendment introduced conservation reserves and community reserves as categories of protected area in India?

The correct answer is C, the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act of 2002. Until then the Act of 1972 knew only national parks and sanctuaries, both of which need state ownership and control. The 2002 amendment inserted sections 36A to 36D, creating the conservation reserve, usually declared on government land that acts as a buffer or a corridor between protected areas, and the community reserve, declared on private or community land where the people themselves volunteer to protect wildlife, each managed by a committee that includes village representatives.

Option A is wrong because the 1991 amendment dealt with matters such as the ban on hunting and trade in specified species. Option B is wrong because the Act of 1980 governs the diversion of forest land. Option D is wrong because the 1986 Act is the umbrella environment law and does not create protected area categories.