A key panel under India's environment ministry granted clearance to seventeen defence-related proposals on Monday. These projects focus on strategic infrastructure in high-altitude regions near the China border, primarily in Ladakh and Sikkim.
National Security Drives Decision
The National Board for Wildlife's standing committee made this decision during a meeting. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav chaired the session. This central board evaluates projects near wildlife protected zones. It aims to balance development with environmental sustainability.
The ministry stated these projects address national security and strategic requirements. Officials emphasized strict adherence to wildlife mitigation measures. They also highlighted compliance with all environmental safeguards and statutory provisions.
Scope of Approved Projects
Most recommended projects involve critical border infrastructure. The list includes establishing new border outposts and constructing border roads. It also features building a brigade headquarters and creating ammunition storage facilities. Additional projects cover training facilities plus bridge and culvert works.
Broader Committee Agenda
During the same meeting, the standing committee examined seventy proposals total. These covered public utility services and infrastructure development. Locations included protected areas, wildlife sanctuaries, tiger reserves, and eco-sensitive zones.
The ministry said deliberations considered ecological sensitivity carefully. Committee members also reviewed statutory requirements thoroughly. They focused on ensuring essential services for local communities.
Key Public Utility Projects
Important public utility proposals received consideration alongside defence projects. These involved drinking water supply under the Jal Jeevan Mission. The committee also reviewed plans for primary and community health centres. Road widening projects, 4G mobile towers, and transmission lines formed part of the discussions.
Additionally, members discussed a medium irrigation project in Madhya Pradesh. This project aims to provide drinking and irrigation water in the Bundelkhand region.
Minister's Additional Engagements
Separately, Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav attended an inter-ministerial meeting. Cabinet colleagues Nitin Gadkari, M L Khattar, and G Kishan Reddy joined him. They discussed convergence issues for recovering critical minerals from electronic waste.
Yadav later posted on social media platform X about the meeting. He stated they reviewed electronic waste handling in cities. The group also examined reusing inert material from legacy dumpsites for national highway construction.
The environment ministry continues navigating complex priorities. It balances strategic defence needs with environmental protection and public welfare across sensitive regions.
