Public utility, defence projects cleared with wildlife safeguards
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change chairs the 88th meeting of the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife in New Delhi on Monday, with members reviewing proposals related to public utility services, defence requirements and infrastructure projects near protected areas.
NEW DELHI: The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) on Monday considered 70 proposals linked to public utility services, defence needs and infrastructure development in and around protected areas, wildlife sanctuaries, tiger reserves and eco-sensitive zones, at its 88th meeting chaired by the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
The proposals were examined in line with the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, balancing ecological sensitivity, statutory requirements and the need to ensure essential services for local communities.
Among the key public utility projects reviewed were drinking water supply schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission, establishment of primary and community health centres, road widening works, installation of 4G mobile towers and transmission lines. The committee also deliberated proposals related to a medium irrigation project in Madhya Pradesh’s Bundelkhand region, aimed at providing drinking and irrigation water while improving the water regime for wildlife, including gharials.
In addition, the committee considered 17 defence-related proposals, largely located in the Union Territory of Ladakh and the state of Sikkim. These projects, linked to strategic infrastructure in border and high-altitude areas, were recommended in view of national security requirements, with an emphasis on strict wildlife mitigation measures and environmental safeguards.
The meeting also reviewed the Action Taken Report on decisions from previous sittings, with particular focus on policy measures and process streamlining, including improvements to the PARIVESH portal. It was decided that wildlife conservation policies, programmes and compliance with SC-NBWL directions would be taken up in future meetings to strengthen monitoring mechanisms.
The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife is a statutory body under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, tasked with advising the government on wildlife and forest conservation while ensuring that development activities near protected areas follow a balanced and sustainable approach.
