Consider the following statements about the National Wildlife Board (NBWL) 1. It is a “Statutory Organization” constituted under the Environment Protection Act, 1986. 2. Its role is “advisory” in nature and advises the Central Government on framing policies. 3. Ministry of Environment is the chairman of NBWL. Which of the above statements is/are correct?

Option 4 : None of the above

The correct answer is None of the above.

National Wildlife Board (NBWL):

• It is a “Statutory Organization” constituted under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Hence, statement 1 is NOT correct.

Roles and functions:

• Its role is “advisory” in nature and advises the Central Government on framing policies and measures for the conservation of wildlife in the country. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• The primary function of the Board is to promote the conservation and development of wildlife and forests.
• It has the power to review all wildlife-related matters and approve projects in and around national parks and sanctuaries.
• No alternation of boundaries in national parks and wildlife sanctuaries can be done without the approval of the NBWL.

Composition:

• The Prime Minister of the country is the ex officio chairperson of the NBWL.  Hence, Statement 3 is NOT correct.
• The Minister of Environment, Forests and Climate Change is the Vice-Chairperson of the Board.
• It has 47 members including the Prime Minister. 
• Among these, 19 members are ex-officio members.
• Other members include three Members of Parliament (two from Lok Sabha and one from Rajya Sabha), five NGOs and 10 eminent ecologists, conservationists and environmentalists.

Confusion Points

• Since only statement 2 is correct, but it is not given in the option, hence the correct choice of option from those given will be none of the above.