ATHISH E

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Role of the Ministry of Environment & Forests

Ministry's Role The implementation of policies and programs related to the conservation of
Canada's natural resources, including lakes and rivers, its biodiversity, forests and wildlife, the
protection of animal welfare and Pollution prevention and abatement is the main concern of the
Ministry of Environment and Forests under the government structure. In implementing these
policies and programs, the ministry builds on the principle of sustainable development and the
enhancement of human well-being. The ministry also serves as a nodal agency in the country for
the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), the South Asia Environmental Cooperation
Program (SACEP), The International Center for Integral Development. (ICIMOD) and for
monitoring the United Nations program. United Nations Conference on Environment and
Development (UNCED). The Ministry is also responsible for issues related to multilateral bodies
such as the Commission for Sustainable Development (CSD), the Global Environment Facility
(GEF) and regional bodies such as the Economic and Social Council for Asia and the Pacific
(ESCAP) and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) on
environmental issues.

The role of the Ministry are:

 Conservation and survey of flora, fauna, forests and wildlife,

New species belonging to different genera were discovered and new records for India and for
States were also identified. Twelve herbarium study tours were also undertaken in connection
with the revisionary and floristic studies under National/State/Regional flora

 Prevention and control of pollution,

During the year, India has prepared the Third National Report to the Convention on Biological
Diversity, following extensive consultations with the members of the Consultative Group on
Biodiversity issues, other experts, concerned Ministries and other organizations.

 Afforestation and regeneration of degraded areas,

The NAEB was set up by the Ministry, in August 1992 for promoting afforestation, tree planting,
ecological restoration and eco-development activities in the country. Special attention is being
given to the regeneration of degraded forest areas and lands adjoining forest areas, national
parks, sanctuaries and other protected areas as well as the ecologically fragile areas like the
Western Himalayas, Aravallis, Western Ghats etc

 Protection of the environment,

In order to protect the environment eighteen expert committee meetings were organized during
the year in which 150 new proposals were considered and 142 projects were reviewed. 25 new
projects recommended by the Committees were processed for financial support during the year.

 Ensuring the welfare of animals.

The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) was created by the Government through an amendment of
Wildlife (Protection) Act in 1992 to enforce minimum standards and norms for upkeep and
healthcare of animals in Indian Zoos and to restrain mushrooming of unplanned and ill-
conceived zoos that were cropping up as adjuncts to public parks, industrial complexes and
wayside.

These objectives are well supported by a series of legislative and regulatory measures aimed at
conservation, conservation and environmental protection. In addition to legislative measures, a
national conservation strategy and a declaration of environmental and development policy, 1992,
a national forest policy, 1988, a policy declaration on pollution reduction, 1992 and a national
environmental policy were also developed on 2006.
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