National Board for Wildlife

The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has recently recommended 13 defence and paramilitary projects, most of which are located in the high-altitude protected areas of Ladakh, with one project proposed in Arunachal Pradesh. These recommendations reflect the ongoing need to balance national security requirements with wildlife conservation concerns in ecologically sensitive zones.

About the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL)

The National Board for Wildlife is a statutory body established by the Central Government in 2022 under Section 5A of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
It serves as India’s apex advisory body on matters related to wildlife conservation and environmental protection within Protected Areas (PAs).

The NBWL plays a crucial role in guiding the government on issues related to wildlife conservation and also grants approvals for activities and projects proposed within PAs.

Organisational Structure of the NBWL

The NBWL is a 47-member body with the Prime Minister as its Chairperson and the Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) serving as its Vice-Chairperson.

The Board includes:

• Key officials and institutions directly involved in wildlife conservation.

• The Chief of Army Staff, the Defence Secretary, and the Expenditure Secretary as members.

• Ten eminent conservationists, ecologists, and environmentalists, nominated by the Central Government.

The Additional Director General of Forests (Wildlife) & Director, Wildlife Preservation functions as the Member-Secretary of the Board.

Functions of the National Board for Wildlife

The NBWL performs several important functions, including:

1. Wildlife Conservation and Development

It promotes the conservation and development of wildlife and forest ecosystems across the country.

2. Advisory Role

It advises both the Central and State Governments on policies, measures, and actions necessary for wildlife protection and management.

3. Regulation of Protected Areas

The Board makes recommendations regarding the creation, management, and expansion of National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and other Protected Areas.

4. Combatting Wildlife Crime

It works toward controlling poaching, illegal wildlife trade, and the exploitation of wildlife products.

5. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

The NBWL evaluates the potential impacts of proposed projects and activities on wildlife and their habitats before granting clearances.

6. Monitoring Conservation Progress

It periodically reviews nationwide wildlife conservation efforts and suggests improvements.

7. Status Reports

The NBWL is required to prepare and publish a status report on wildlife in India at least once every two years.

Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife

The Standing Committee is an independent sub-body under the NBWL.
It consists of not more than 10 members from the full NBWL, and is headed by the Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Functions of the Standing Committee

• The Standing Committee primarily deals with project-level clearances, including decisions related to land diversion within Protected Areas and Eco-Sensitive Zones.

• Its mandate is operational and project-specific, making it distinct from the NBWL, which handles broader policy-level decisions regarding wildlife conservation.