Wildlife Governance in India: Key Takeaways from NBWL Meeting

Context

• PM Narendra Modi chaired his first-ever meeting of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) after over 10 years in office.
• The last full NBWL meeting was held on September 5, 2012, chaired by then PM Manmohan Singh.
• The meeting comes amid concerns over the NBWL’s role in balancing conservation and development.

What is the NBWL?

• Established in 2003 after an amendment to The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
• Apex body for:
  • Framing wildlife conservation policies.
  • Approving new national parks and sanctuaries.
  • Assessing projects affecting protected areas.
• Composition:
  • 47 members, with the Prime Minister as Chairperson.
  • Union Environment Minister as Vice-Chairperson.

Role of the NBWL Standing Committee

• Handles key tasks like appraising projects in and around forest areas.
• Decisions are recommendatory, but the Environment Ministry can overrule them.

Controversies & Criticism

1. Clearance of Controversial Projects

• Ken-Betwa River Linking Project
  • Daudhan Dam will submerge ~100 sq km of Panna Tiger Reserve, affecting its biodiversity.
• Vedanta Oil Exploration in Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary
  • Located in an eco-sensitive zone, home to India’s only ape species, the Hoolock Gibbon.
• Denotification of Galathea Bay Sanctuary (2021)
  • A vital nesting site for leatherback sea turtles in Andaman & Nicobar Islands was removed from protection.

2. Allegations of Weakening NBWL Post-2014

• 2014: Reconstitution of NBWL under BJP Government led to concerns over dilution of expertise.
• Changes in Representation:
  • UPA Era (Pre-2014): 7 non-governmental members (4 conservationists, 3 NGO representatives).
  • Post-2014: Only 3 non-governmental members, raising concerns over independence in decision-making.

Conclusion

PM Modi’s NBWL meeting highlights India’s challenge in balancing conservation with development. The need for independent expert voices and stronger environmental safeguards remains crucial for wildlife protection policies.