Measures to protect the wildlife and biodiversity in general include inter alia, notification of suitable wildlife habitats as Protected Areas (National Parks, sanctuaries etc.) under the Wild Life (protection) Act (WLPA), 1972. Recommendations of the National Board for Wildlife (NBL) are prescribed in the Act for regulating any activity inside such areas. Hon'ble Supreme Court thought a number of order has further made it essential to seek the recommendations of this advisory body for regulating activities in the adjoining areas to the Protected Areas.
These guidelines prescribe the process of obtaining recommendations of the Standing Committee of NBWL under the Wild Life (protection) Act 1972 with respect to the areas, for which this process is mandatory under the law, and also in compliance to relevant Hon'ble Supreme Court orders. These guidelines replace the guidelines dated 15.03.2011 issued earlier in this regard, along with all amendments made therein.