Union Environment Minister Chairs 88th Meeting of NBWL Standing Committee

• 22 Jan 2026

Why in News? 

On January 19, 2026, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav chaired the 88th Meeting of the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wild Life (SC-NBWL) in New Delhi. 

Key Points: 

• Proposals Cleared: The committee addressed 70 proposals concerning areas in and around Protected Areas, Tiger Reserves, and Eco-Sensitive Zones.  
• Strategic Infrastructure: 17 defence-related proposals were approved, primarily in Ladakh and Sikkim, for strategic roads and infrastructure vital for national security. 
• Public Utilities: Projects discussed included those for drinking water under the Jal Jeevan Mission, health centres, and improved connectivity via 4G towers, road upgrades, and transmission lines. 
• Water Security: A medium irrigation project in Madhya Pradesh was considered, intended to benefit the Bundelkhand region by providing water for drinking and irrigation while also improving water conditions for wildlife, including gharials.  
• Administrative & Process Reforms:The committee reviewed actions taken on past decisions, aiming to enhance transparency through the PARIVESH portal. 
• Mitigation Measures: Clearances included requirements for strict adherence to wildlife mitigation strategies and environmental safeguards. 
• Ongoing Monitoring: Future meetings will include discussions on compliance and monitoring to ensure effective wildlife conservation. 

What is the SC-NBWL? 

• Legal Basis: It is established under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. 
• Leadership: While the full National Board for Wild Life (NBWL) is chaired by the Prime Minister, its Standing Committee is led by the Union Environment Minister. 
• Function: It serves as an advisory body to the central government on conservation matters and reviews development projects in or near protected areas.  
• Read More:Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, Jal Jeevan Mission