Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife
The Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife reviewed over 100 development projects and key conservation initiatives during its 91st meeting in Coimbatore.
Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife Holds 91st Meeting in Coimbatore
The Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) reviewed the progress of major wildlife conservation initiatives and examined more than 100 development proposals during its 91st meeting held in Coimbatore on Wednesday. The meeting was chaired by Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav.
The Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife meeting focused on balancing wildlife conservation with sustainable infrastructure development across India. The Committee reviewed decisions taken during the seventh meeting of the National Board for Wildlife and assessed the progress of several national conservation programmes to strengthen science-based conservation.
Science-Based Wildlife Conservation Gets Priority
Addressing the meeting, Bhupender Yadav said wildlife conservation remains at the heart of India’s environmental governance. He stressed the need for scientific planning, habitat connectivity and effective mitigation measures while evaluating projects located in or around wildlife habitats.
The Minister also called for solution-based policy interventions supported by technological and sociological studies. He highlighted the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with modern conservation practices to ensure long-term protection of wildlife and biodiversity.
Key Conservation Initiatives Reviewed
The Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife discussed several major conservation initiatives, including the long-term strategy for protecting the Greater One-horned Rhinoceros through the Rhino DNA Indexing System. The Committee also reviewed future conservation plans for the Great Indian Bustard and approved the inclusion of the Pygmy Hog under the Species Recovery Programme.
In addition, the Committee assessed the progress of conservation programmes for threatened species and released scientific publications related to the Greater One-horned Rhinoceros, Sloth Bear and Great Indian Bustard.
Over 100 Development Projects Considered
The Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife examined more than 100 proposals involving roads, bridges, defence infrastructure, drinking water projects, communication towers, power transmission lines, optical fibre networks, pipelines, renewable energy projects, mining operations, educational institutions and other public infrastructure requiring wildlife clearance under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
Each proposal was assessed based on its ecological impact, importance for public welfare and national development, and the effectiveness of mitigation measures designed to minimise impacts on wildlife and natural habitats.
Balancing Development with Environmental Protection
The Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting biodiversity while supporting sustainable development. The Committee emphasised that nationally important infrastructure projects should be implemented with robust environmental safeguards to reduce adverse impacts on wildlife and their habitats.
The decisions taken during the Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife meeting reinforce India’s commitment to conserving biodiversity while enabling responsible infrastructure growth. The outcomes are expected to strengthen conservation planning, improve ecological connectivity and support sustainable development in line with the country’s long-term environmental goals.
