Union Environment Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav chairs 89th Meeting of Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife, in Bhopal

**Executive Summary** The 89th meeting of the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) was chaired by the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change in Bhopal on February 28, 2026. The meeting focused on key policy issues concerning wildlife conservation, examining 58 proposals related to development projects around protected areas while adhering to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The meeting emphasized the involvement of scientific and technical institutions in conservation efforts. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Meeting Overview:** * The 89th meeting of the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) was held in Bhopal. * The meeting was chaired by Union Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav. * **Project Proposal Review:** * The committee considered 58 proposals related to development projects. * Projects are located in/around Protected Areas, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Tiger Reserves, and Eco-Sensitive Zones. * Proposals span sectors like communication infrastructure, optical fiber cables, power transmission, roads, drinking water, thermal power, defense and irrigation. * All proposals were reviewed in accordance with the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. * Ecological sensitivity, statutory requirements, and mitigation measures were taken into account. * **Policy Discussions:** * Important policy matters were discussed, including environmental flows in the Chambal River for aquatic fauna conservation. * The committee deliberated on the status of social, economic, and ecological aspects of villages inside Tiger Reserves. * Discussions included the importance of grasslands for wildlife management, and strategies to manage human-leopard interactions. * **Institutional Involvement:** * Emphasis was placed on involving scientific and technical institutions, such as the Wildlife Institute of India, the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, and the Central Water Commission. * The aim is to support conservation policies with robust research and inter-sectoral coordination. * **Committee Mandate:** * The Standing Committee is a statutory body constituted under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. * It advises the Government on matters of wildlife and forest conservation. * It aims to ensure sustainable and balanced development activities around Protected Areas. **Impact Analysis** **Government (Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change):** * **Impact:** The Ministry receives advice from the Standing Committee on wildlife and forest conservation, influencing policy and project approvals. * **Action Required:** Consider the recommendations of the Standing Committee in decision-making related to development projects and conservation policies. **Project Developers/Infrastructure Companies:** * **Impact:** Development projects are subject to review and approval by the Standing Committee, potentially leading to modifications or rejection based on ecological considerations. * **Action Required:** Ensure project proposals comply with the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, incorporate prescribed mitigation measures, and address ecological sensitivities to gain approval. **Wildlife and Forests:** * **Impact:** The Standing Committee's decisions directly impact the conservation and protection of wildlife and forests, especially in and around Protected Areas. * **Action Required:** N/A **Local Communities (living in and around Protected Areas, especially within Tiger Reserves):** * **Impact:** Their socio-economic and ecological well-being are considered as part of conservation efforts, potentially affecting their livelihoods and access to resources. * **Action Required:** N/A

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