National Board for Wildlife

The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) is India’s apex body for wildlife conservation. Established in 2003, it restructured the earlier Indian Board for Wildlife. The NBWL ensures the implementation of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. It aims to enhance wildlife policy and conservation efforts across the country. Recently, the NBWL met at Gir National Park to review various conservation initiatives.

Formation and Structure of the NBWL

The NBWL was formed by amending the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Its purpose is to create a statutory body with regulatory powers. The board consists of 47 members. The Prime Minister serves as the ex officio chairperson. The Union Environment Minister is the vice-chairperson. Members include senior officials from various ministries and conservation experts.

Key Responsibilities

The NBWL is responsible for framing wildlife policies and recommending the establishment of national parks and sanctuaries. It appraises projects affecting forest lands and protected areas. The board’s standing committee handles critical tasks and makes recommendations to the Ministry of Environment. However, its decisions can be overruled by the ministry.

Recent Conservation Initiatives

During the latest meeting, the NBWL announced new initiatives for gharials and the Great Indian Bustard. It also discussed the expansion of Project Cheetah and Project Lion. These projects aim to enhance the population of endangered species and improve their habitats.

Criticism of the NBWL

The NBWL has faced criticism for approving development projects in wildlife habitats. Notable projects include the Ken Betwa river linking project and oil exploration near the Hollongapar Gibbon sanctuary. Critics argue that these approvals threaten biodiversity and ecological balance. The board’s reconstitution in 2014 raised concerns over the dilution of conservation expertise.

Historical Context

The Indian Board for Wildlife was established in 1952. It aimed to address declining wildlife populations. The board played a vital role in creating the framework for wildlife conservation in India. Significant milestones include the declaration of the peacock as the national bird and the establishment of Project Tiger in 1973. Over the years, the board has evolved to meet the changing needs of wildlife conservation.

Legislative Framework

The Wild Life Protection Act, 1972, provides the legal framework for wildlife conservation in India. It prohibits hunting and poaching of endangered species. The Act also regulates wildlife trade and facilitates the establishment of protected areas. This legislation has been crucial in shaping India’s conservation strategies.

Current Challenges

The NBWL continues to face challenges in balancing development and conservation. The need for sustainable practices is more pressing than ever. As development projects increase, the board must ensure that wildlife habitats are preserved. The ongoing debate around conservation policies marks the challenges in prioritising ecological health.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Examine the role of the National Board for Wildlife in India’s conservation efforts.
2. Discuss in the light of recent initiatives, how effective the NBWL has been in wildlife conservation.
3. Critically discuss the impact of development projects on wildlife habitats in India.
4. With suitable examples, analyse the historical evolution of wildlife protection laws in India.

Answer Hints:

1. Examine the role of the National Board for Wildlife in India’s conservation efforts.

1. The NBWL is the apex body for wildlife conservation in India, established to implement the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
2. It frames wildlife policies and recommends the establishment of national parks and sanctuaries.
3. The board consists of 47 members, including conservation experts and government officials, ensuring diverse input in decision-making.
4. It appraises projects affecting forest lands and protected areas, balancing development and conservation needs.
5. The standing committee of the NBWL handles critical tasks and makes recommendations to the Ministry of Environment, though its decisions can be overruled.

2. Discuss in the light of recent initiatives, how effective the NBWL has been in wildlife conservation.

1. The NBWL has recently announced initiatives for gharials and the Great Indian Bustard, targeting endangered species’ recovery.
2. Expansion of Project Cheetah and Project Lion aims to enhance the population and habitats of these iconic species.
3. However, the effectiveness is questioned due to ongoing criticisms regarding project approvals that threaten wildlife habitats.
4. Recent meetings show a proactive approach, yet the board’s ability to enforce conservation amidst development pressures remains a concern.
5. The balance between conservation initiatives and development projects is crucial for evaluating the NBWL’s effectiveness.

3. Critically discuss the impact of development projects on wildlife habitats in India.

1. Development projects like the Ken Betwa river linking project threaten wildlife areas, leading to habitat loss.
2. Oil exploration near sensitive zones, such as the Hollongapar Gibbon sanctuary, poses risks to endangered species.
3. Critics argue such projects compromise biodiversity and ecological integrity, sparking protests from conservationists.
4. Despite regulatory frameworks, the approval of such projects marks conflicts between development and conservation priorities.
5. The ongoing debate emphasizes the need for sustainable practices to mitigate negative impacts on wildlife habitats.

4. With suitable examples, analyse the historical evolution of wildlife protection laws in India.

1. The Indian Board for Wildlife was established in 1952 to address declining wildlife populations and laid the groundwork for conservation.
2. The Wild Life Protection Act, 1972, provided a legal framework for protecting endangered species and regulating wildlife trade.
3. Significant milestones include the declaration of the peacock as the national bird and the initiation of Project Tiger in 1973.
4. The NBWL was formed in 2003, restructuring the existing framework to enhance regulatory powers and conservation efforts.
5. Over the decades, laws have evolved to adapt to changing conservation needs, reflecting India’s commitment to wildlife protection.