National Board for Wildlife

The National Board for Wildlife is the Union-level statutory body that guides wildlife conservation policy in India. Constituted under Section 5A of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, it promotes the conservation and development of wildlife and forests and advises governments on related measures.

Institutional structure

The Board is chaired by the Prime Minister, while the Union minister in charge of forests and wildlife is its Vice-Chairperson. Under Section 5B, it may constitute a Standing Committee and delegate to it such powers and functions as it considers necessary.

Core statutory functions

The Board's functions are specified in Section 5C of the Act.

• It frames policies and advises the Union and State governments on wildlife conservation, control of poaching and illegal trade in wildlife and wildlife products.
• It recommends the establishment and management of national parks, sanctuaries and other protected areas, including restrictions on activities within them.
• It carries out, or causes to be carried out, impact assessments of projects and activities affecting wildlife or its habitat.
• It periodically reviews the progress of wildlife conservation and suggests measures for improvement.
• It must prepare and publish a wildlife status report at least once every two years.

Nature and scope of the mandate

The Board combines policy advice, conservation review and scrutiny of activities affecting wildlife habitats. Its role is principally recommendatory and supervisory; statutory permissions for particular projects continue to be governed by the applicable wildlife, forest and environmental laws.

How UPSC asks this