
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is the nodal agency
in the administrative structure of the Central Government for the planning, promotion,
co-ordination and overseeing the implementation of India's environmental and forestry
policies and programmes.
The primary concerns of the Ministry are implementation of policies and programmes
relating to conservation of the country's natural resources including its lakes
and rivers, its biodiversity, forests and wildlife, ensuring the welfare of animals,
and the 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 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 the 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