In a bid to counter China’s capabilities in the Tibet Autonomous Region against India, an Environment Ministry panel in New Delhi accorded approvals to 17 defence-related infrastructure projects in high-altitude areas facing the Line of Actual Control.
The National Board of Wildlife, in a standing committee meeting chaired by Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav, cleared the plans, according to Indian government officials on Monday (January 19, 2026).
What is the national board of wildlife?
The board is the top decision-making committee on infrastructure projects that are to come up in or around the zones protected under the wildlife laws.
It also ensures that the development activities in these areas are in sync with the existing environmental and ecological rules and regulations, apart from being carried out in a balanced and sustainable manner.
What are the military projects cleared?
The projects that were accorded the green clearance involved infrastructure proposals in Ladakh and Sikkim, both territories of India bordering Tibet, controlled by China’s People’s Liberation Army.
The plans included the establishment of new border outposts, border roads, bridge and culvert works, an army brigade headquarters, an ammunition storage facility, and training infrastructure.
Why did the panel approve these projects?
The Environment Ministry said these projects were recommended in view of “national security and strategic requirements” of the Indian military to defend territory.
The proposals were deliberated with due regard to ecological sensitivity and statutory requirements, apart from ensuring the defence and security of the nation, the ministry said.
However, the panel would keep monitoring the project to ensure the construction and infrastructure building stick to wildlife mitigation measures and environmental safeguards in line with existing