Ministry of Environment and Forests

The Ministry of Environment and Forests is primarily concerned with the implementation of policies and programmes relating to conservation of the country's natural resources including lakes and rivers, its biodiversity, forests and wildlife, ensuring the welfare of animals and prevention and abatement of pollution. While implementing these policies and programmes, the ministry is guided by the principle of sustainable development and enhancement of human well-being. The ministry also serves as the nodal agency in the country for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP), International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and for the follow-up of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). The Ministry is also entrusted with the issues relating to multilateral bodies such as the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD), Global Environment Facility (GEF) and of regional bodies like Economic and Social Council for Asia and Pacific (ESCAP) and South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC) on matters pertaining to environment.

The broad objectives of the ministry are:
· Conservation and survey of flora, fauna, forests and wildlife,
· Prevention and control of pollution,
· Afforestation and regeneration of degraded areas,
· Protection of the environment, and
· Ensuring the welfare of animals.

These objectives are sought to be fulfilled by the ministry primarily through:
· Environmental impact assessment.
· Eco-regeneration
· Assistance to organizations implementing environmental and forestry programmes,
· Assistance to organizations including animal welfare programmes,
· Promotion of environmental and forestry research, extension, education and training,
· Dissemination of environmental information,
· International cooperation, and
· Creation of environmental awareness among all sectors of the country's population.

These objectives are well supported by a set of legislative and regulatory measures, aimed at the preservation, conservation and protection of the environment. Some of them are the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, the Environment (Protection) Act 1986, the Public Liability Insurance Act 1991, the National Environment Tribunal Act, 1995, the National Environment Appellate Authority Act, 1997, the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and Forests (Conservation) Act, 1980. The main legislations relating to protection of animals is the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Besides the legislative measures, a National Conservation Strategy and Policy Statement on Environment and Development, 1992, National Forests Policy, 1988 and a Policy Statement on Abatement of Pollution, 1992 have also been evolved.

A draft National Environment Policy has been formulated as a response to our national commitment to a clean environment mandated in our constitution and to harmonise the demands of development and environment.

www.envfor.nic.in