<h4>NBWL Approves Strategic Road Expansion in Ladakh</h4><p>The standing committee of the <strong>National Board for Wildlife (NBWL)</strong> has recently granted approval for five crucial road stretches in the <strong>Ladakh</strong> region. This decision holds significant strategic importance for India's border infrastructure.</p><p>Four of these approved road projects are slated to pass directly through the sensitive <strong>Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary</strong>. This highlights the delicate balance between developmental needs and environmental conservation in high-altitude ecosystems.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>Key Approvals:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Five key road stretches</strong> in <strong>Ladakh</strong>.</li><li><strong>Four</strong> of these roads traverse the <strong>Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary</strong>.</li><li>Includes a vital route to <strong>Baulat Beg Oldie (DBO)</strong>.</li></ul></div><h4>Conditions for Wildlife Protection</h4><p>The <strong>NBWL</strong> approval was not unconditional. It mandates the implementation of specific <strong>wildlife passage plans</strong>. These plans are crucial to safeguard various species inhabiting the <strong>Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary</strong> from the impact of increased road activity.</p><p>Such conditions underscore the regulatory body's role in ensuring that strategic development proceeds with minimal ecological disruption. Environmental impact assessments and mitigation strategies are integral to such projects.</p><h4>Strategic Importance for National Security</h4><p>This approval provides substantial support to the <strong>Ministry of Defence</strong>, significantly boosting infrastructure development along the <strong>Line of Actual Control (LAC)</strong>. Enhanced connectivity is vital for military logistics and rapid deployment in the region.</p><div class='key-point-box'><p>The move is a direct response to the <strong>2020 India-China clashes</strong> that occurred in the <strong>Galwan Valley</strong>. It aims to strengthen India's defensive and logistical capabilities in the face of ongoing border tensions.</p></div><div class='exam-tip-box'><p><strong>UPSC Insight:</strong> This development is relevant for <strong>GS-2 (International Relations)</strong> concerning India-China border issues and <strong>GS-3 (Environment &amp; Security)</strong> for the interplay of strategic infrastructure, wildlife conservation, and national security.</p></div>