Overview
The Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav chaired the 91st meeting of the SC‑NBWL at the Central Academy for State Forest Service, Coimbatore on 9 July 2026. The Committee examined progress on earlier National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) directions and evaluated more than 100 development proposals that require wildlife clearances under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
Key Developments
- Review of 118 infrastructure and defence proposals from State governments, covering roads, bridges, pipelines, renewable energy, educational institutions and more.
- Discussion on long‑term conservation strategy for the Greater One‑horned Rhinoceros using the Rhino DNA Indexing System.
- Future plan for the Great Indian Bustard.
- Inclusion of the Pygmy Hog under the Species Recovery Programme.
- Release of scientific publications on the Rhinoceros, Sloth Bear and Great Indian Bustard, underscoring evidence‑based policy.
Important Facts
The Committee assessed each proposal on three criteria: ecological impact, public‑welfare importance, and adequacy of mitigation measures. It reiterated that developmental projects of national importance must comply with the Act and other environmental safeguards.
Minister Yadav stressed that wildlife conservation is central to India’s environmental governance. He called for solution‑based policy interventions that blend technological studies, sociological research and traditional knowledge.
Exam Relevance
Understanding the functioning of the NBWL and SC‑NBWL helps answer questions on India’s biodiversity governance, inter‑ministerial coordination and the legal framework for wildlife protection. The discussion on species‑specific recovery programmes illustrates the application of the Species Recovery Programme, a recurring UPSC topic.
The emphasis on integrating traditional knowledge aligns with the ethics and governance aspects of GS4 and the sustainable development goals in the environment chapter of GS3.
Way Forward
- Strengthen scientific monitoring (e.g., DNA indexing) for flagship species.
- Ensure that all 100+ project proposals incorporate robust mitigation plans before clearance.
- Promote community‑driven conservation by documenting and applying traditional ecological knowledge.
- Facilitate inter‑departmental coordination to balance infrastructure development with habitat connectivity.
These steps aim to achieve a balance between rapid development and the preservation of India’s rich wildlife heritage.