In a decisive step to combat one of the most silent yet serious ecological threats, India has set up a dedicated expert body to tackle invasive alien species that are steadily disrupting ecosystems, agriculture, and biodiversity across the country.
Acting on directions from the National Green Tribunal, the National Biodiversity Authority has constituted a high-level Expert Committee to address the growing ecological and socio-economic risks posed by such species. The move follows a suo motu case (O.A. No. 162/2023), where the tribunal flagged the urgent need for a comprehensive national strategy.
The Committee has been formed under the provisions of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 (amended in 2023), and will take a science-driven approach to managing invasive species that threaten native flora, fauna, and food security.
A SCIENCE-DRIVEN NATIONAL RESPONSE
Chaired by Dhananjai Mohan, with Prof. A. Biju Kumar as Co-Chair, the committee brings together experts from premier institutions such as the Zoological Survey of India, Botanical Survey of India, ICAR, Wildlife Institute of India, and Forest Survey of India, along with international organisations like International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Its mandate includes preparing a consolidated national list of invasive alien species, identifying high-risk species, and recommending scientific strategies for their prevention, control, and eradication. The panel will also focus on ecological restoration, policy guidelines, and bridging research gaps.
In addition, the committee will document best practices and propose long-term research and data programmes to strengthen India’s response to biological invasions.
With a tenure of two years, the initiative marks a coordinated, whole-of-government effort to safeguard biodiversity, enhance ecosystem resilience, and meet national and global conservation commitments.
