Section 2(h) in The Biological Diversity Act, 2002
(h)"local bodies "means Panchayats and Municipalities, by whatever name called, within the meaning of clause (1) of article 243-B and clause (1) of article 243-Q of the Constitution and in the absence of any Panchayats or Municipalities, institutions of self-Government constituted under any other provision of the Constitution or any Central Act or State Act;
