New Delhi, March 21: In pursuance of the directions of the National Green Tribunal, the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has constituted an Expert Committee on Invasive Alien Species to address the growing ecological and socio-economic risks posed by such species across the country.
The decision follows a suo motu proceeding (O.A. No. 162/2023) by the NGT, which underscored the serious threats of invasive alien species to native biodiversity, key ecosystems, agriculture, food security, and human and wildlife health, and directed the NBA to undertake a comprehensive study. This was further reinforced by advisory from the MoEFCC to establish a dedicated expert body.
Accordingly, in exercise of its powers under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 (as amended in 2023), the NBA has constituted a multi-disciplinary committee to provide strategic guidance on the issue.
The Committee has been mandated to prepare a consolidated national list of invasive alien species based on State-wise inputs, identify and prioritise high-risk species, and recommend science-based management strategies, ecological restoration measures, and national-level guidelines for their prevention, control, and eradication.
It will also document and disseminate best practices, identify critical knowledge gaps, and propose research and data generation programmes to strengthen long-term management and policy responses.
The Committee is chaired by Shri Dhananjai Mohan, IFS (Retd.), former PCCF and Head of Forest Force, Uttarakhand, with Prof. (Dr.) A. Biju Kumar, Vice Chancellor, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, serving as Co-Chair, and comprises senior officials and eminent experts from key Ministries and premier scientific institutions.
Its include representatives from the Zoological Survey of India, Botanical Survey of India, ICAR research bureaus on plant, fish and insect genetic resources, Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, Wildlife Institute of India, Forest Survey of India, and State Forest Departments of Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Assam, along with international and academic experts such as IUCN and leading research institutions.
The composition reflects a broad spectrum of expertise spanning ecology, forestry, agriculture, fisheries, marine sciences, and biodiversity conservation, ensuring a coordinated, science-driven, and whole-of-government approach to tackling invasive alien species.
The Committee will function for a period of two years and is expected to significantly contribute to safeguarding India’s biodiversity, enhancing ecosystem resilience, and supporting national and global biodiversity commitments.
