PIL challenges National Board for Wildlife's functioning, alleging it acts as a 'clearing house' for projects.
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Delhi High Court challenging the functioning of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) and its Standing Committee. The petitioners, a group of retired forest and wildlife officials and conservationists, allege that these bodies have become a 'clearing house,' routinely diverting protected areas for non-conservation projects like roads, mining, and industry. They claim that the Standing Committee approved over 97% of proposals between 2014 and 2026, often considering more than 100 proposals in a single day. The PIL seeks binding guidelines for decision-making by the NBWL, which is the apex statutory authority for wildlife under the 1972 Act.
Key Points
- A PIL challenges the NBWL and its Standing Committee for allegedly acting as a 'clearing house' for diverting protected areas.
- Petitioners claim over 97% of proposals for diverting protected land were approved between 2014 and 2026.
- The NBWL, meant to meet annually, convened in 2025 after a 13-year gap, making the Standing Committee the de facto operational arm.
- The PIL seeks binding guidelines for the decision-making process of the NBWL.
Exam Facts
- National Board for Wildlife (NBWL).
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Petitioners include retired IFS officer Prakriti Srivastava and M.K. Ranjitsinh (principal drafter of 1972 Act).
- Standing Committee approved over 97% of proposals between 2014 and 2026.
- NBWL convened in 2025 after a 13-year gap.
- Next hearing scheduled on September 18.
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