- The Maharashtra State Board for Wildlife approved granting wildlife sanctuary status to two reserved forest areas. - Approval was also granted for the creation of 14 new conservation reserves in the state. - These decisions aim to strengthen wildlife protection, biodiversity conservation, and ecological connectivity in Maharashtra. - **Wildlife Protection Act 1972:** Comprehensive Indian legislation enacted in 1972 that provides for the protection of wild animals, birds, and plants, and establishes key protected areas like sanctuaries and national parks. - **State Board for Wildlife:** A statutory body mandated under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, chaired by the state's Chief Minister, responsible for advising state governments on wildlife conservation and protected area notifications. **Introduction** The Maharashtra State Board for Wildlife has approved conferring wildlife sanctuary status on two reserved forest areas and cleared proposals for 14 new conservation reserves to boost biodiversity conservation and strengthen protected areas across the state. **Core Issue and Detailed Points** - The Maharashtra State Board for Wildlife approved granting wildlife sanctuary status to two reserved forest areas. - Approval was also granted for the creation of 14 new conservation reserves in the state. - These decisions aim to strengthen wildlife protection, biodiversity conservation, and ecological connectivity in Maharashtra. **Key Statutory Bodies, Acts & Concepts** - **Wildlife Protection Act 1972:** Comprehensive Indian legislation enacted in 1972 that provides for the protection of wild animals, birds, and plants, and establishes key protected areas like sanctuaries and national parks. - **State Board for Wildlife:** A statutory body mandated under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, chaired by the state's Chief Minister, responsible for advising state governments on wildlife conservation and protected area notifications.