The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) was established by the Central Government in 2003 to implement India’s Biological Diversity Act (2002). The NBA with its headquarters in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India delivers its mandate through a structure that comprises of the Authority, Secretariat, SBBs, BMCs and Expert Committees.

Introduction:
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) is a statutory body established under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. It is responsible for implementing the provisions of the Act, which aims to conserve the country's biodiversity and ensure its sustainable use. The NBA headquarters is located in Chennai, the capital city of the state of Tamil Nadu in India.

Explanation:
The correct answer to the question is option 'B' - Chennai. Here's why:

1. Headquarters Location:
The headquarters of the National Biodiversity Authority is located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Chennai is a major metropolitan city in South India and serves as the administrative, cultural, and economic center of the state.

2. Importance of Chennai:
Chennai is a strategic location for the NBA headquarters due to several reasons:

- Accessibility: Chennai has excellent connectivity both domestically and internationally. It has an international airport, a major seaport, and a well-connected railway network, making it easily accessible for officials and stakeholders from different parts of the country and abroad.

- Proximity to Biodiversity-rich Regions: Tamil Nadu is known for its rich biodiversity, with various ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, coastal areas, and marine habitats. Chennai's location provides proximity to these regions, allowing the NBA to closely monitor and manage biodiversity conservation efforts.

- Presence of Government Institutions: Chennai is home to several important government institutions, including the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, and several research institutes and universities. The presence of these institutions facilitates collaboration and knowledge exchange in the field of biodiversity conservation.

3. Regional Focus:
The NBA operates at the national level but also has a regional focus. It has established State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) in each state of the country to regulate and promote biodiversity conservation at the grassroots level. The NBA headquarters in Chennai allows for effective coordination and guidance to these SBBs, ensuring uniform implementation of biodiversity conservation measures across the country.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the National Biodiversity Authority is headquartered in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The choice of Chennai as the headquarters is strategic, considering its accessibility, proximity to biodiversity-rich regions, and presence of relevant government institutions.

D