The committee examined 70 proposals concerning public utility services, defence requirements, and infrastructure development in and around Protected Areas, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Tiger Reserves, and Eco-Sensitive Zones. Each proposal was assessed in line with the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, balancing ecological sensitivity with the need for essential services for local communities.
Key proposals discussed included drinking water supply projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), development of primary and community health centres, widening of roads, installation of 4G towers, and transmission line projects. Additionally, medium irrigation projects in Madhya Pradesh were considered for their dual benefits to human and wildlife water regimes, including support for gharial habitats.
Strategic and Defence-Related Projects
The Standing Committee reviewed 17 defence-related proposals, primarily in Ladakh and Sikkim, focusing on strategic infrastructure in high-altitude and border areas. The proposals were recommended to meet national security objectives while ensuring strict adherence to wildlife mitigation measures and environmental safeguards.
Policy Review and Effective Monitoring
The committee also examined the Action Taken Report (ATR) on previous decisions, including improvements to the PARIVESH portal, which streamlines project clearance and monitoring for environmental and wildlife compliance. Shri Bhupender Yadav highlighted the importance of continual review of policies and processes to strengthen conservation measures and maintain a balance between development and environmental protection.
SC-NBWL: Safeguarding India’s Wildlife
The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife is a statutory body under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. It advises the government on wildlife and forest conservation policies, ensuring that development activities near protected areas are sustainable and ecologically responsible.