Reference:

• The 7th meeting of the National Board for Wildlife was held on March 3, 2025, at Gir National Park, Gujarat, under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• The purpose of the meeting was to review various wildlife conservation initiatives in the country and set new policy directions.

Key Highlights:

Major Announcements and Initiatives:

River Dolphin Assessment:

• A total of 6,327 river dolphins were recorded in India's rivers, with the highest number found in Uttar Pradesh.
• The survey covered 28 rivers across eight states—Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Assam, and Punjab.

State-wise Dolphin Count:

Uttar Pradesh: 2,397 dolphins (highest in India)

• Bihar: 2,220 dolphins
• West Bengal: 815 dolphins
•  Assam: 635 dolphins
• Jharkhand: 162 dolphins
• Rajasthan & Madhya Pradesh: 95 dolphins
• Punjab: Only 3 dolphins
• The survey was conducted between 2021 and 2023, covering over 8,500 kilometers.
• The Ganges River Dolphin is primarily found in the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna river system across India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan.
• This survey was conducted under 'Project Dolphin', announced by PM Narendra Modi on August 15, 2020.

Great Indian Bustard Conservation:

• The Great Indian Bustard (GIB), also known as 'Godawan' or 'Son Chiraiya', is one of India's largest flying birds.
• A National Conservation Plan has been announced to address its declining population.
• GIB is primarily found in Rajasthan, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat.
• The species is critically endangered due to habitat destruction.

Gharial Conservation:

• A new conservation initiative has been launched to address the declining population of gharials.

Human-Wildlife Conflict Management:

• A Center of Excellence for Human-Wildlife Conflict Management will be established in Coimbatore.
• The center will enhance advanced tracking, monitoring systems, and rapid response teams.

National Wildlife Referral Center:

• A National Wildlife Referral Center has been established in Junagadh to focus on wildlife health and disease management.

Project Cheetah Expansion:

• Project Cheetah will be expanded to Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary (Madhya Pradesh) and Banni Grasslands (Gujarat).

Project Lion Expansion:

• Project Lion will be extended for 10 years to expand Asiatic Lion habitats in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat.

16th Asiatic Lion Census:

• The 16th Asiatic Lion Population Estimation will be conducted in May 2025.
• In 2020, the population was 674, marking a 29% increase from 523 in 2015.
• Asiatic lions are spread over 30,000 sq. km across 53 talukas and 9 districts in Gujarat.
• The census is conducted every five years.

Wildlife Conservation Initiatives:

• Objective: To maintain ecological balance and protect endangered species.

1. Key Wildlife Conservation Laws and Institutions:

(A) Wildlife Conservation Laws:

1. Wildlife Protection Act, 1972:

• Ensures protection of wildlife in India.
• Led to the establishment of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB).
• The 2002 amendment created the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).

2. Environmental Protection Act, 1986:

• Mandates Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for various projects.

3. Biodiversity Act, 2002:

• Established the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA).

(B) Key Institutions and Bodies:

• National Board for Wildlife (NBWL): Formulates policies and plans for wildlife conservation.
• Wildlife Institute of India (WII): Conducts research and conservation projects.
• Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC): Implements wildlife conservation and environmental policies.

2. Major Wildlife Conservation Projects:

3. International Wildlife Conservation Initiatives:

1. CITES (1975): Regulates the trade of endangered species.

2. IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature): Publishes the Red List and assesses species conservation status.

3. UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme): Promotes biodiversity and wildlife conservation globally.

Protected Areas and Their Categories in India:

India has four major types of protected areas:

1. National Parks:

• Strictly protected areas with no human activities allowed.
• India has 106 national parks.
• Examples: Jim Corbett NP (Uttarakhand), Kaziranga NP (Assam), Sundarbans NP (West Bengal).

2. Wildlife Sanctuaries:

• Allow limited human activity while focusing on wildlife conservation.
• India has 573+ wildlife sanctuaries.
• Examples: Ranthambore (Rajasthan), Gir (Gujarat), Periyar (Kerala).

3. Biosphere Reserves:

• Designed for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
• Examples: Nilgiri, Sundarbans, Nanda Devi.

4. Ramsar Sites:

• Wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
•  Examples: Chilika Lake (Odisha), Loktak Lake (Manipur), Keoladeo NP (Rajasthan).

Constitutional Provisions for Wildlife Conservation:

• Article 48A: Directs the state to protect and improve the environment.
• Article 51A(g): Citizens must protect the environment (Fundamental Duty).
•  Article 21: Guarantees the right to life, including a clean environment.
• Seventh Schedule: Defines the roles of central and state governments in wildlife protection.
• Fifth & Sixth Schedule: Protects tribal rights and forest conservation.
• 73rd & 74th Amendments: Empower local bodies in environmental conservation.

National Board for Wildlife (NBWL):

• The apex statutory body under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• Structure: A 47-member committee, chaired by the Prime Minister. The Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change serves as Vice-Chairperson.