UPSC-Relevant News Items

1. Wildlife Board Panel Clears Mining, Infrastructure Projects in Tiger Habitats across MP and Uttarakhand

Page: 2

Summary:

• • The NBWL Standing Committee cleared multiple infrastructure and mining projects within tiger reserves across Madhya Pradesh (MP) and Uttarakhand.
• • Projects include a ropeway in Rajaji National Park’s core area (4.54 ha) and a limestone mine lease near the Panna-Bandhavgarh wildlife corridor.
• • Bauxite mining was also approved in the ESZ of Chhattisgarh's Phen WLS, near the Kanha-Achanakmar corridor, emphasizing ecological safeguards.

Additional Facts:

• • The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) Standing Committee, under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, serves as the statutory institutional mechanism responsible for approving projects within Protected Areas (PAs) and their surroundings.
• • Environmental Clearances (ECs) for mining and infrastructure in ecologically sensitive areas (ESZs) are governed by the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, requiring specific mitigation measures to ensure adherence to ecological safeguards and corridor integrity.
• • The NBWL is chaired by the Prime Minister of India.

Linkage with UPSC course:

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