New Delhi, 21 March (H.S.):

The National Biodiversity Authority has set up a high-level expert committee to tackle invasive alien species posing a grave danger to India's ecology and agriculture. This move follows strict directives from the National Green Tribunal and advice from the Environment Ministry.

According to the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change the decision stems from the NGTs suo motu action on Original Application No 162/2023. The tribunal voiced serious concerns that these foreign species are wiping out native biodiversity while endangering food security farming and human health. It directed the NBA to conduct thorough studies and devise strategic plans.

IFS officer retired former PCCF and Uttarakhands ex-Police Chief Dhananjay Mohan heads the committee with Prof A Biju Kumar Vice-Chancellor of Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies serving as co-chair. The panel includes senior officials from key ministries and renowned experts from top scientific institutions.

Under the Biological Diversity Act 2002 the NBA has assigned the committee critical tasks like compiling a national inventory risk assessments management strategies research and data collection. Species such as lantana and water hyacinth are rapidly overtaking Indian forests and water bodies.

With a two-year mandate this initiative marks a milestone in fulfilling Indias global biodiversity commitments and bolstering its ecosystems.

Experts believe this holistic governmental approach will not only safeguard the environment but also secure farmers incomes and rural livelihoods.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar