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CM Vijay to Lead TN Wildlife Board
2 Nov
Summary
- Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay now chairs the State Board for Wildlife.
- Board will advise on protected areas and conservation policies.
- Non-official members will serve for a two-year term.
The Tamil Nadu government has officially reconstituted its State Board for Wildlife, with Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay appointed as the chairperson. This significant move places the state's top political leader at the helm of wildlife conservation efforts. The Minister for Forests will serve as the vice-chairperson, indicating a strong governmental focus on this sector.
The Environment, Climate Change and Forests Department issued the formal order on October 28, 2026, under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. This reconstitution follows the expiration of the previous non-official members' terms. The board’s mandate is to provide expert advice to the state government on critical issues such as selecting and managing protected areas, shaping wildlife conservation policies, and proposing amendments to wildlife schedules.
Furthermore, the board will play a crucial role in finding solutions that balance the needs of tribal and other forest-dwelling communities with the imperative of wildlife conservation. The tenure for non-official members has been set at two years. The reconstituted board includes three nominated MLAs, alongside representatives from various non-governmental organizations, conservationists, biologists, and environmentalists. Prominent institutions like the Wildlife Trust of India and the Bombay Natural History Society are also represented.
