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Relevance: GS Paper III — Environment & Ecology; Biodiversity Conservation Source: NBA / MoEFCC / NGT, 2026

1 · What happened

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) noticed the heavy damage caused by foreign plant and animal species in India and took up a case on its own (suo motu). Following the NGT’s orders, the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) formed a special Expert Committee on Invasive Alien Species (IAS) in March 2026.
This two-year panel is led by forestry expert Dhananjai Mohan and co-chaired by Prof. A. Biju Kumar (Vice-Chancellor, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies). It brings together top scientists from major institutes like the Zoological and Botanical Surveys of India to tackle this growing crisis.

2 · What Are Invasive Alien Species, and Why Worry?

An Invasive Alien Species (IAS) is a plant, animal, or germ brought into a new environment where it doesn’t naturally belong. It settles in, spreads aggressively, and harms the local ecosystem. They spread so fast because they adapt easily and have no natural predators in their new home. They often hitch a ride via cargo ships (in their ballast water), imported seeds, or the exotic pet trade.

Forest Invader
Lantana camara
Originally from South America, this weed takes over Indian forests. It forms thick bushes, kills native plants, and leaves plant-eating animals with no food, forcing wild animals into villages (Human-Wildlife Conflict).
Dryland Invader
Prosopis juliflora
Known locally as “vilayati babool”. This thorny tree drinks massive amounts of groundwater in dry places like Rajasthan and Kutch, creating “green deserts” where native grasses simply cannot survive.
Aquatic Invader
Water Hyacinth
Often called “Bengal’s terror”. This beautiful but deadly weed covers entire lakes. It blocks sunlight, drops oxygen levels in the water, kills native fish, and chokes farming canals.
Health Hazard
Parthenium (Congress Grass)
This weed is a nightmare for our health. Its pollen triggers asthma, allergies, and severe skin rashes in humans, and even reduces milk production in cattle.

  • Massive Destruction: Worldwide, alien species drive about 60% of all species extinctions. In India, invaders like Lantana and Water Hyacinth have degraded nearly 60% of our natural habitats.
  • The Committee’s Job: The expert panel will create a national list of dangerous species, rank the worst ones, and write a rulebook on how to safely destroy them and restore our native ecosystems.
  • Global Goal: This effort helps India meet Target 6 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which asks countries to cut the spread of invasive species by at least half.

UPSC Value Box (Simple Terms)
National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) Set up under the Environment Ministry in October 2003. Trap Alert: Its headquarters is in Chennai, not New Delhi!
Biological Diversity Act, 2002 The parent law ensuring India’s biological resources are protected and used fairly (Access and Benefit Sharing).
Three-Tier Structure NBA (National Level) → State Biodiversity Boards (State Level) → Biodiversity Management Committees (Panchayat/Municipal level).
National Green Tribunal (NGT) A special green court created in 2010. It can take up environmental cases on its own (suo motu).
GBF Target 6 A global promise made in Montreal to reduce the spread of invasive alien species by at least 50% by 2030.
Phenotypic Plasticity The superpower of an invasive species to quickly change its physical traits to survive in a brand-new climate.
Ballast Water Heavy seawater carried in the bottom of huge cargo ships to keep them balanced. It accidentally transports foreign marine life across oceans.

MCQ Practice Question
Q. With reference to the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) and India’s framework for biodiversity conservation, consider the following statements:

  1. The NBA was established under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and is headquartered in New Delhi.
  2. Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) operate at the local panchayat or municipal level under the Act’s three-tier framework.
  3. Target 6 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework specifically deals with reducing the impact of invasive alien species.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only    (b) 2 and 3 only    (c) 1 and 3 only    (d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only

  • Statement 1 is Incorrect (The Trap!): While the Act mentioned is correct, the NBA is headquartered in Chennai, not New Delhi. UPSC frequently tests this fact.
  • Statement 2 is Correct: India manages biodiversity through three levels: NBA (National) → State Boards (State) → BMCs (Panchayat/Municipal).
  • Statement 3 is Correct: Target 6 of the Kunming-Montreal agreement directly calls for cutting the spread of invasive alien species by at least half.
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