New Delhi, 19 January (H.S.): Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav presided over the 88th Meeting of the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) on Monday, meticulously balancing conservation priorities with essential infrastructure development.

The committee deliberated 70 proposals concerning public utility services, defense requirements, and infrastructure projects situated within or near Protected Areas, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Tiger Reserves, and Eco-Sensitive Zones, strictly adhering to the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 provisions.

Discussions accorded due weight to ecological sensitivity, statutory compliances, and local communities' essential service needs.

Public Utility Projects Approved

Critical proposals included Jal Jeevan Mission drinking water supply schemes, primary/community health centers, road widening initiatives, 4G mobile towers, and transmission lines. A significant Madhya Pradesh medium irrigation project—providing Bundelkhand region drinking/irrigation water while enhancing wildlife/gharial habitats—received detailed scrutiny.

Strategic Defense Infrastructure

Seventeen defense-related proposals, primarily in Ladakh UT and Sikkim, focused on border/high-altitude strategic infrastructure. These gained recommendation prioritizing national security while mandating rigorous wildlife mitigation measures and environmental safeguards per committee directives.

Policy and Process Enhancements

The committee reviewed the Action Taken Report (ATR) on prior decisions, particularly policy measures and PARIVESH portal streamlining for improved monitoring. Future meetings will further deliberate wildlife conservation policies and SC-NBWL direction compliance for effective oversight.

The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife, constituted under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, advises government on wildlife/forest conservation while ensuring sustainable development around protected areas.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar