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The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has approved an elevated road over nine corridors used by the animals of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, usually during heavy floods.
Announcing this decision in a post on X, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said the NBWL also approved two elevated railway corridors along the southern boundary of Deepor Beel on the outskirts of Guwahati.
The beel, a wetland and important bird area, is a Ramsar Site.
The 35-km elevated road project, worth ₹6,000 crore, along an existing arterial highway skirting the northern boundary of Kaziranga’s core area had been in the offing for years.
According to the blueprint submitted to the Union government, the four-lane elevated road will have two tunnels, one with an estimated length of 1.5 km and the other of 600 metres.
What is National Board for Wildlife?
The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) is the apex body in India for all wildlife-related matters.
It plays a crucial role in promoting wildlife conservation and development in the country.
Established in 2003 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Replaced the Indian Board for Wildlife.
Chaired by the Prime Minister of India.
Includes the Union Ministers of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Agriculture, Rural Development, Tribal Affairs, and Tourism.
Chief Ministers of all states and union territories are also members.
Total of 47 members.
Functions:
Advises the central government on wildlife conservation policies and programs.
Approves projects that affect wildlife or protected areas, including national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
Considers issues related to endangered species, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict.
Kaziranga park in the state of Assam.
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