Recently, the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife has cleared a controversial transmission line project that sparked protests amid concerns over deforestation in Goa Mollem National Park.

About National Board for Wildlife

• It is a “Statutory Organization” constituted under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• Its role is “advisory” in nature and advises the Central Government on framing policies and measures for conservation of wildlife in the country.
  • For Example: No alteration of boundaries in national parks and wildlife sanctuaries can be done without approval of the NBWL.
• The Board is responsible for promotion of conservation and development of wildlife and forests
• Members:
  • Chairperson: Prime Minister is the Chairperson
  • Vice-Chairperson: The Minister in charge of the Ministry of Environment & Forests in the Central Government is the Vice-Chairperson. 
  • Member-Secretary to the Board: The Additional Director General of Forests (WL) & Director, Wildlife Preservation is the Member-Secretary to the Board. 
  • 3 parliament members (two from Lok Sabha and one from Rajya Sabha)
  • 5 NGOs
  • 10 eminent conservationists, ecologists and environmentalists
  • Government secretaries of various departments
  • Chief of army staff

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About Mollem National Park

• It is located in Goa and is a 107 sq km area within the Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary.
• Mollem National Park is home to several temples from the Kadamba Dynasty.
• Wildlife: The park is home to many species of snakes, including the King Cobra, Hump-nosed pit viper, Indian rock python, and Malabar pit viper.