Over 100 wildlife clearance proposals reviewed as Yadav chairs key conservation meets

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav chaired four key meetings in Coimbatore on Thursday, focusing on wildlife policy and conservation matters. The sessions included the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL), the National Tiger Conservation Authority, the Central Zoo Authority, and the Wildlife Institute of India Society.

During the SC-NBWL meeting, over 100 proposals were appraised for wildlife clearance, marking a significant step in streamlining environmental approvals. The committee also reviewed progress on conservation efforts and discussed long-term strategies for protecting the Greater One-horned Rhinoceros and the Great Indian Bustard (GIB).

Following the meeting, Yadav announced on social media that a second Great Indian Bustard chick, born through the 'jumpstart' method on May 21 in Naliya, Gujarat, has survived the initial critical period of 40 days. This method involves incubating eggs in a controlled environment to boost survival rates of the critically endangered bird.

The meetings underscore the government's ongoing efforts to balance development with wildlife conservation, ensuring that projects undergo rigorous environmental scrutiny while prioritising the preservation of endangered species.