In a landmark decision to intensify conservation efforts, the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL), chaired by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, has approved the inclusion of Gharial and Sloth Bear under the Species Recovery Programme (SRP).
The decision was taken during the committee’s 84th meeting held in Dehradun, in direct alignment with the vision laid out by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 7th meeting of the NBWL.
Strengthening Protection Through Central Support
With this inclusion, both species will now benefit from targeted conservation measures under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Development of Wildlife Habitat. This entails 100% central assistance for non-recurring expenditures—covering habitat restoration, captive breeding, monitoring, and strengthened protection protocols.
Translating National Mandates into Action
The move reflects the government’s commitment to executing the ecological priorities set forth by the Prime Minister. During the 7th NBWL meeting, PM Modi emphasized the urgent need to preserve iconic and vulnerable species, including the critically endangered Gharial and the vulnerable Sloth Bear, both of which play essential ecological roles in their native habitats.
Expanding the Recovery Net
The Gharial and Sloth Bear now join a select group of wildlife—including the Great Indian Bustard, Gangetic Dolphin, and Dugong—already under the SRP umbrella. This expanded list signifies a growing national effort to secure the long-term survival of threatened species through science-backed conservation, habitat management, and cross-agency coordination.
About MoEF&CC & NBWL:
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) is the nodal agency in the Government of India for planning, promoting, coordinating, and overseeing the implementation of environmental and forestry policies. The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) serves as the apex advisory body on wildlife matters. Its Standing Committee executes key decisions, including those under the Species Recovery Programme, designed to revive India’s most endangered flora and fauna through focused conservation funding and habitat development.
