The 88th Meeting of the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) was held on January 19, 2026, in New Delhi under the chairmanship of the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav. The meeting focused on balancing development needs with ecological protection while reviewing policy mechanisms for stronger wildlife monitoring.
70 Proposals on Public Utility and Infrastructure Considered
During the meeting, the Standing Committee considered 70 proposals related to:
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Public utility services
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Defence requirements
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Infrastructure development projects
These proposals pertained to projects located in and around Protected Areas, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Tiger Reserves, and Eco-Sensitive Zones, and were examined strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
The Committee ensured that all proposals were assessed with due regard to:
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Ecological sensitivity
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Statutory requirements
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Need to ensure essential services for local communities
Key Public Utility Projects Reviewed
Several important development proposals with direct public benefit were deliberated, including:
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Drinking water supply projects under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)
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Establishment of Primary and Community Health Centres
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Widening of roads in remote regions
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Installation of 4G mobile towers
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Development of power transmission lines
The Committee also reviewed a medium irrigation project in Madhya Pradesh, aimed at improving drinking water and irrigation access in the Bundelkhand region, while simultaneously enhancing water availability for wildlife, including gharials.
Defence Proposals in Strategic Border Areas
The Standing Committee also considered 17 defence-related proposals, primarily located in:
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Union Territory of Ladakh
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State of Sikkim
These proposals relate to strategic infrastructure development in high-altitude and border regions. The Committee recommended their approval in view of national security imperatives, while emphasizing strict compliance with wildlife mitigation measures and environmental safeguards.
Review of Policy Processes and PARIVESH Portal
The Committee reviewed the Action Taken Report (ATR) on decisions from previous meetings, with special focus on:
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Policy measures for wildlife conservation
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Process streamlining
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Improvement of the PARIVESH portal for environmental clearances
It was decided that policies and programmes related to wildlife conservation, as well as compliance with SC-NBWL directions, will be continuously reviewed in future meetings to strengthen monitoring and implementation.
Role of the Standing Committee of NBWL
The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife is a statutory body constituted under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. It plays a crucial role in advising the Government on:
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Conservation and protection of wildlife
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Protection of forests and biodiversity
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Ensuring that development near protected areas is conducted in a balanced, sustainable, and responsible manner
Conclusion
The 88th meeting of SC-NBWL reflects the government’s ongoing effort to strike a careful balance between developmental priorities and environmental conservation. By scrutinizing infrastructure, defence, and public utility projects alongside strengthening monitoring frameworks, the Committee continues to reinforce sustainable governance in ecologically sensitive regions.
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Source: PIB
