Q. Consider the following statements about National Board for Wildlife:
1. It is a non-statutory body.
2. The body is headed by Prime Minister.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Answer: B
Notes:
Status: NBWL is a statutory body as it has been constituted under Section 5 A the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Mandate: It is the apex body to review all wildlife-related matters and approve projects in and around national parks and sanctuaries i.e. Protected Areas.
Timeline: In 2003, NBWL was constituted. Its term lapsed in 2013. In 2014, it was reconstituted (was notified on July 22, 2014).
Composition: It is a 47-member board (including the chairman) which usually meets once a year. It is chaired by Prime minister.
Standing committee:
- The environment ministry has delegated all powers of the NBWL to a compliant Standing Committee which regularly meets and clears projects in Protected Areas.
- The National Board may, at its discretion, constitute a Standing Committee under sub-section (1) of Section 5B to be chaired by Union Minister in charge of Forests and Wildlife.
Source: ForumIAS
