National Board for Wildlife

March 13, 2025

The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) plays a very important role in India’s wildlife conservation efforts. Recently, the board convened in Gir National Park, Gujarat. This meeting focused on reviewing various flagship wildlife conservation programmes. New initiatives for gharials and the Great Indian Bustard were announced. Additionally, expansions for Project Cheetah and Project Lion were discussed. The last full-body meeting prior to this was in 2012, denoting gap in high-level discussions.

Structure

The NBWL was established in 2003 through amendments to The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
It evolved from the Indian Board for Wildlife, which was created in 1952. The intent was to enhance its regulatory capacity. The
NBWL is now a statutory body responsible for wildlife policy, conservation, and recommendations for national parks and sanctuaries.
It comprises 47 members, including the Prime Minister as chairperson and the Union environment minister as vice-chairperson.
Other members include military leaders, government secretaries, MPs, and conservation experts.

Functions and Responsibilities

The NBWL is tasked with framing wildlife policies and overseeing conservation efforts. It has a standing committee that appraises projects affecting forest lands and protected areas. Decisions made by this committee are recommendatory. However, the Ministry of Environment can override these recommendations. This structure aims to balance development and conservation needs.

Criticism and Controversies

In recent years, the NBWL has faced criticism for approving several development projects in sensitive wildlife habitats. Notable projects include the Ken-Betwa river linking project and oil exploration in the Hollongapar Gibbon sanctuary. These approvals have sparked protests from ecologists and conservationists, citing threats to biodiversity. Additionally, the denotification of the Galathea Bay Sanctuary raised concerns about the protection of endangered species.

Historical Context

The NBWL’s predecessor, the Indian Board for Wildlife, was established in 1952 to address wildlife population declines. It laid the groundwork for India’s conservation framework, with contributions from leaders like Indira Gandhi. The Wild Life Protection Act of 1972 was a landmark legislation that prohibited hunting and regulated wildlife trade. Over the years, the board has undergone several reconstitutions, reflecting changing political and environmental priorities.

Recent Developments

The reconstitution of the NBWL in 2014 led to allegations of diluted powers. The current standing committee has fewer non-governmental members compared to its predecessor. This shift has raised concerns about the representation of conservation experts in decision-making processes. The recent meeting in Gir signifies a renewed focus on wildlife conservation, amidst ongoing debates about development versus ecological preservation.

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