Discuss the statutory role of the National Board for Wildlife in India’s conservation framework. Examine the challenges it faces in fulfilling this role.
Kartavya Desk Staff
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
Q5. Discuss the statutory role of the National Board for Wildlife in India’s conservation framework. Examine the challenges it faces in fulfilling this role. (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: DTE
Why the question The expanding footprint of infrastructure and extractive activities in ecologically sensitive areas has made statutory wildlife clearance bodies increasingly central to environmental governance. Key Demand of the question The question requires explaining the legally mandated role and functions of the National Board for Wildlife within India’s wildlife governance system, and then critically examining the institutional, operational and governance challenges that constrain its ability to perform this role effectively. Structure of the Answer Introduction Briefly situate the National Board for Wildlife within India’s statutory wildlife protection architecture and its significance in regulating activities affecting protected areas. Body Statutory role of NBWL in policy advice, mandatory clearances and coordination of wildlife conservation. Challenges faced by NBWL such as capacity constraints, reliance on conditional approvals and weak compliance mechanisms. Conclusion Conclude by highlighting the need to strengthen institutional capacity and accountability of NBWL to ensure conservation objectives are not subordinated to developmental pressures.
Why the question
The expanding footprint of infrastructure and extractive activities in ecologically sensitive areas has made statutory wildlife clearance bodies increasingly central to environmental governance.
Key Demand of the question
The question requires explaining the legally mandated role and functions of the National Board for Wildlife within India’s wildlife governance system, and then critically examining the institutional, operational and governance challenges that constrain its ability to perform this role effectively.
Structure of the Answer
Introduction Briefly situate the National Board for Wildlife within India’s statutory wildlife protection architecture and its significance in regulating activities affecting protected areas.
• Statutory role of NBWL in policy advice, mandatory clearances and coordination of wildlife conservation.
• Challenges faced by NBWL such as capacity constraints, reliance on conditional approvals and weak compliance mechanisms.
Conclusion Conclude by highlighting the need to strengthen institutional capacity and accountability of NBWL to ensure conservation objectives are not subordinated to developmental pressures.