Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 provides the legal framework for the conservation of ecosystems and wildlife in India.
It details the administrative mechanisms for establishing protected areas such as Sanctuaries and National Parks.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us examine the structure of Chapter IV of the Act, which is titled "Protected Areas":
Section 18:
Under Section 18 of Chapter IV, the State Government may declare its intention to constitute any area (other than an area comprised within any reserve forest or territorial waters) as a sanctuary if it considers that such area is of adequate ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological, natural, or zoological significance.
Thus, Section 18 directly governs the legal "Declaration of Sanctuary".
Other Sections for comparison:
- Section 35 (Chapter IV): Governs the declaration of a National Park.
- Section 9 (Chapter III): Governs the absolute prohibition of hunting of wild animals listed in Schedules.
- Section 11 (Chapter III): Outlines specific conditions where hunting of certain wild animals is permitted (e.g., if an animal becomes a threat to human life).
Step 3: Final Answer:
The declaration of a Sanctuary is provided under Section 18 of Chapter IV.
This matches Option (A).