Archive · 7 Sep 2025
Wildlife Panel Delays Policy Expansion and Monkey Reclassification
Imagine some people live near forests, and sometimes animals like tigers or monkeys cause problems.
The government has a program to help these people move to safer places, but it's only used in certain areas right now.
The government wanted to expand this program, but some experts said they need more information first.
They also talked about whether to give special protection to monkeys again, but they couldn't agree, so they decided to ask everyone for their opinions before making a decision.
The SCNBWL deferred a decision on expanding the voluntary community relocation policy.
The proposal aimed to extend the policy to biodiversity-rich areas and wildlife corridors.
The committee also discussed reclassifying rhesus macaques under the Wildlife Protection Act.
States are divided on whether to include rhesus macaques under the Wildlife Protection Act.
The committee decided to seek opinions from all states and union territories on both matters.
- Who
- Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SCNBWL)
- What
- Deferred decisions on extending a community relocation policy and reclassifying rhesus macaques.
- When
- August 19 meeting, published on Saturday.
- Where
- New Delhi, India
- Why
- To gather further information and consult more stakeholders on the proposed policy changes.
Concerns over Policy Expansion
Support for Reclassification
Community Relocation Policy
Concerns over Policy Expansion
Some members believe expanding the policy is premature without addressing existing challenges.
Support for Reclassification
The proposal aimed to aid people suffering human-wildlife conflict.
Monkey Reclassification
Concerns over Policy Expansion
Chief wildlife wardens in some states oppose the reclassification.
Support for Reclassification
Some states, such as Himachal Pradesh, support reclassification due to the crop damage.
- Meeting Held By
- Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SCNBWL)
- Topics Discussed
- Community Relocation Policy and Rhesus Macaque Reclassification
- Current Relocation Policy
- Voluntary, for families in tiger reserves
- Proposed Extension
- To biodiversity-rich areas and wildlife corridors
- Monkey Reclassification
- Debate over including Rhesus Macaque under Wildlife Protection Act
- Decision
- Deferred; Seeking Further Study and Consultation
