Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav recently chaired the 89th meeting of the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL), in Bhopal.
Key Focus of 89th Meeting
The Standing Committee considered proposals relating to:
- Protected Areas
- Wildlife Sanctuaries
- Tiger Reserves
- Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs)
All proposals were examined considering:
- Ecological sensitivity
- Statutory compliance
- Prescribed mitigation measures
Proposals Considered
A total of 58 fresh proposals were reviewed across sectors including communication infrastructure, optical fibre cable (OFC) projects, power transmission lines, road infrastructure, drinking water supply, thermal power, defence projects, irrigation and other public infrastructure
About Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL)
Legal Status: Statutory body established under Section 5B of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
Mandate:
- To advise the Government on matters relating to conservation and protection of wildlife and forests,
- To ensure that development activities in and around Protected Areas are undertaken in a sustainable and balanced manner.
- Functions as the primary decision-making arm of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL), primarily focusing on project clearances in sensitive areas.
Composition
- Chairmanship: Chaired by the Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (who serves as the Vice-Chairperson of the full NBWL).
- Membership: Consists of the Vice-Chairperson, the Member-Secretary, and not more than ten members nominated by the Vice-Chairperson from the full Board.
- Independent Authority: While the full NBWL (chaired by the Prime Minister) handles broad policy, the Standing Committee is an independent body delegated with specific powers to regulate activities in Protected Areas.
Core Functions
Project Clearance: It reviews and grants or rejects clearances for developmental activities (like roads, dams, or mining) within National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and their Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ).
Impact Assessment: It is empowered to conduct impact assessments of various projects on wildlife habitats.
Advisory Role: Advises the Central and State Governments on wildlife conservation, poaching control, and management of protected areas.
Tiger Reserves: No alteration to the boundaries of a Tiger Reserve can be made without its recommendation, acting on the advice of the NTCA.
About National Board for Wildlife
- Established under: Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
- Chaired by: Prime Minister of India
- Apex body for wildlife conservation policy
Standing Committee
- Exercises delegated powers of NBWL
- Reviews project clearances in Protected Areas & ESZs
- Ensures balance between development and conservation
About Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs)
- Notified around Protected Areas
- Act as “shock absorbers”
- Regulate industrial and developmental activities