Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav inaugurated the 28th Meeting of the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) Society at the Central Academy for State Forest Service (CaSFOS) in Coimbatore on July 9, 2026. The meeting was the first since the WII Society was reconstituted for a three-year term in April following the expiration of the terms of office of its earlier nominated members.

While addressing the society, Yadav highlighted the importance of scientific research to conserve India's rich biological heritage and urged the convergence of scientific research, training and policy support mechanisms within WII with the vision of 'Viksit Bharat 2047'. He emphasised that human-wildlife conflict resolution, technology-driven management and capacity building should be at the core of the institutional roadmap to address wildlife management issues confronting the country.

At the meeting, Dr G.S. Bhardwaj, Director of WII, presented the institute's key initiatives and achievements since its establishment and also reviewed its current priorities. He also presented the report on action taken at the previous meeting, highlighting the strategic outcomes and key recommendations of the recently held meeting of former directors.

The meeting witnessed the active participation of newly nominated members as well as ex-officio members such as Member of Parliament (MP) Atul Garg and Gujarat Minister for Forest and Environment Pravin Mali. Senior officials of the Ministry, eminent scientists, academicians, conservationists and representatives from states across the country were also present.

The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks, setting the agenda for WII's scientific mandates over the next three years as India's premier wildlife research and training institute gears up for greater involvement in conservation policy and the management of the country's biodiversity.