Ex-forest officials, conservationists challenge functioning of India’s apex Wildlife Board in Delhi HC
Retired forest officials and conservationists have filed a PIL in the Delhi High Court challenging the National Board for Wildlife's approval process. They allege the board acts as a 'clearing house' for industrial projects at the expense of protected areas.
Why it matters
Addresses the tension between industrial development and environmental conservation in India's regulatory framework.
A group of retired forest and wildlife officials and conservationists on Wednesday (July 8, 2026) moved the Delhi High Court with a public interest litigation (PIL) petition challenging the functioning of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) and its Standing Committee (SC-NBWL), alleging that the two bodies have become a “clearing house” that routinely diverts protected areas to roads, mining, industry and other non-conservation projects.
The article focuses heavily on the petitioners' arguments and criticisms of the government board's efficiency and environmental impact.
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