National Board for Wildlife

News:The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) hasn’t met since 2014.However, policy decisions and clearances have come from a standing committee.

Facts:

• National Board for Wildlife(NBWL) is a statutory body constituted under Wildlife Protection Act,1972.
• Chairman: Prime minister.
• Vice-Chairperson:Minister of Environment, Forests & Climate Change.
• Powers:The board is advisory in nature and advises the Central Government on framing policies and measures for conservation of wildlife in the country.
• Functions:It is the apex body to review all wildlife-related matters and approve projects in and around national parks and sanctuaries.
• No alteration of boundaries in national parks and wildlife sanctuaries can be done without approval of the NBWL.

Standing Committee:

• The National Board of Wildlife has constituted a Standing Committee.
• Composition:It is chaired by the Union Minister of Environment, Forests & Climate Change with Member Secretary and not more than ten members.
• Mandate:It considers the merits of projects that come to it for scrutiny.

Present Status of “Stand Up India Scheme”