National Board for Wildlife

Ex-forest officials and conservationists have petitioned the Delhi High Court, challenging the functioning of India's National Board for Wildlife and its Standing Committee. They allege the board has become a 'clearing house' for diverting protected areas to non-conservation projects like roads, mining, and industry.

Conservation activists have raised concerns over a ₹35 crore modernisation project at Theppakadu Elephant Camp, which houses 27 elephants. Priya Davidar, a conservation biologist and member of the National Board for Wildlife, expressed 'strong misgivings' due to construction in a tiger reserve's core area and critical elephant habitat.