NBA Constitutes Expert Committee on Invasive Alien Species

On 21^st March 2026, the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) constituted a multi-disciplinary expert committee to assess the impact of invasive alien species on India’s biodiversity, following directions from the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

Key Points

Background: The NGT initiated suo motu proceedings highlighting ecological imbalances caused by invasive alien species and directed a comprehensive national assessment.
What are Invasive Alien Species: Species (plants, animals, or microorganisms) introduced outside their natural habitat that spread rapidly and harm native ecosystems, biodiversity, and human well-being.
Global Impact: Invasive alien species contribute to nearly 60% of global species extinctions.
India’s Scenario: Species like lantana camara, prosopis juliflora, and water hyacinth have degraded nearly 60% of natural habitats.
Committee Mandate:
- Prepare a national list of invasive alien species
- Identify and prioritise high-risk species
- Recommend control, prevention, and eradication strategies
- Suggest ecological restoration measures and national guidelines
Additional Functions:
- Document best practices
- Identify research gaps
- Propose long-term data and policy frameworks
Composition: Chaired by Dhananjai Mohan (IFS Retd.) with A. Biju Kumar as co-chair; includes experts from institutions like Zoological Survey of India, Botanical Survey of India, ICAR, Wildlife Institute of India, and IUCN.
Legal Basis: Constituted under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 (amended 2023).
Duration: The committee will function for two years.
Significance: Aims to safeguard biodiversity, enhance ecosystem resilience, and support India’s national and global biodiversity commitments.