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- The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has rejected the Uttarakhand government's proposal to permit soapstone mining near the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, which serves as a critical habitat for endangered species.
- About the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL):
- The NBWL was established by the Central Government under Section 5A of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (WLPA). The board came into existence through an amendment to the WLPA in 2022, replacing the Indian Board for Wildlife, which had been formed in 1952.
- As India’s primary advisory body on wildlife conservation, the NBWL provides guidance to the government on issues related to wildlife protection, particularly within Protected Areas (PAs). The board plays a key role in reviewing and approving projects that may impact wildlife conservation efforts within these areas.
- According to the WLPA, the NBWL’s approval is necessary before undertaking any construction of tourist lodges, altering the boundaries of PAs, destroying or diverting wildlife habitats, or de-notifying Tiger Reserves.
- Organisation Structure:
- The NBWL is a 47-member committee chaired by the Prime Minister, with the Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change serving as the vice-chairperson. In addition to representatives from institutions and offices directly involved in wildlife conservation, the board includes members such as the Chief of Army Staff, the Defence Secretary, and the Expenditure Secretary of the Government of India.
- Furthermore, the central government nominates 10 members who are prominent conservationists, ecologists, and environmentalists. The Additional Director General of Forests (Wildlife) and Director of Wildlife Preservation acts as the Member-Secretary to the Board.
- Standing Committee of NBWL:
- The Standing Committee is an independent body within the NBWL, consisting of no more than 10 members. The Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change chairs this committee. While the Standing Committee is responsible for clearing specific projects, the NBWL itself serves as the policy-making body, advising the government on wildlife protection and conservation policies.