Date: 5th November, 2007
TO:
The Member Secretary
National Board for Wildlife
Government of India
Paryavaran Bhawan, CGO Complex
Lodi Road, New Delhi – 110 003
Sir:
Sub: Summary of the decisions taken during the 4th Meeting of the National Board for Wildlife held on November 1, 2007.
Following the meeting of the NBWL held on November 1, 2007 I'm hereby summarizing the decisions taken under the chairmanship of the Hon’ble Prime Minister.
1. Initiate immediate measures for the creation of a Tiger Protection Force all across the country.
2. Constitute a Sub-Committee of the NBWL - with adequate representation of non-official members - specifically to look into issues pertaining to tiger conservation.
3. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to co-opt some non-official members of the NBWL as special invitees at NTCA meetings to facilitate consultations.
4. Urgently finalize the appointment of a senior Police Officer with suitable experience in the subject to head the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, and ensure that the Bureau is able to operate in the States along the lines of the Narcotics Control Bureau.
5. Constitute a Sub-Committee of the NBWL - with adequate representation of non-official members - to recommend new recovery plans for other endangered wildlife species including the great Indian bustard and snow leopard. The Prime Minister agreed with the Chief of Army Staff to involve the army in areas it could help, and provide it representation in relevant Sub-Committees.
6. Constitute a Sub-Committee - with adequate representation of non-official members - to examine all issues relating to marine wildlife conservation and suggest recommendations.
7. Constitute a Sub-Committee - with adequate representation of non-official members - to examine the proposed amendments to the Wildlife Protection Act, and any other legislation that may have an impact on forests and wildlife. The opinion of the NBWL to be sought at the draft stage of any new legislation or amendments to existing legislation that may potentially impact forests and wildlife.
Summary of NBWL meeting proceedings, Page 2 of 2
8. Better mechanisms for faster and timely flow of funds to mountain states and other areas to be examined by the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
9. Create a Sub-Committee - with adequate representation of non-official members to look at adverse impacts of the Forest Rights Act on forests and wildlife and suggest mitigating measures before the Rules are notified.
10. Non-official members of the NBWL to present suggestions to the Chairperson on policy regarding best utilization of CAMPA funds.
11. Review the constitution of the Standing Committee of the NBWL and ensure the inclusion of more non-official members so it is better represented. Ensure positive discussions based on suggestions of all members of the Standing Committee so that the working of Standing Committee is not restricted only to de-notifications.
12. As chairperson of the Board, the Prime Minister kindly agreed to make a special effort with State Chief Ministers to ensure the implementation of vital wildlife initiatives to achieve the stated objectives with equal commitment of the States.
13. The NBWL will function through its various Sub-Committees and report to the Chairperson. These Sub-Committees will ensure that the NBWL does not stay dormant between annual meetings, but works actively throughout the year to achieve results.
14. The NBWL will be the premier agency to drive policy and agenda for wildlife in the country, and positive outcomes of the NBWL meetings must be disseminated and shared in the public domain.
Two keynote presentations were made to conclude the proceedings:
1. A 10 minute film by Shekar Dattatri titled ‘Voluntary Resettlement – A Win-Win solution ‘on the successful relocation of people from Nagarahole and Bhadra Reserves.
2. A 25 minute power point presentation by Valmik Thapar on a revival plan for tigers and wildlife.
I request you to kindly incorporate the above points accurately into the minutes of the 4th meeting of the NBWL meeting and circulate it at the earliest.
Yours faithfully,
Brijendra Singh
Member, National Board for Wildlife
Copy to:
Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Prime Minister’s Office, South Block, New Delhi
