Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC)
The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) is a central government ministry of the Republic of India, responsible for planning, promoting, coordinating, and overseeing the implementation of environmental and forestry programmes in the country. The ministry is also the nodal agency for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in India.
History
The Ministry of Environment and Forests was established in 1985, following the enactment of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. In May 2014, the ministry was renamed as the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to reflect the increasing importance of climate change issues in the country.
Objectives
The primary objectives of the MoEFCC are:
- To ensure the protection and improvement of the environment and the safeguarding of forests and wildlife.
- To promote the welfare of the people by ensuring a clean and healthy environment and the conservation of natural resources.
- To implement 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.
Organizational Structure
The MoEFCC is headed by the Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, who is a member of the Union Cabinet. The ministry is divided into several divisions and autonomous organizations, including:
- Environment Wing
- Forest Conservation Division
- Wildlife Division
- Climate Change Division
- National Afforestation and Eco-Development Board (NAEB)
- Central Zoo Authority (CZA)
- National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)
- Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
- National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
Key Legislation
The MoEFCC is responsible for the implementation of several key environmental laws and regulations, including:
- Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
- Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
- Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
- Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
- National Green Tribunal Act, 2010
- Biological Diversity Act, 2002
- Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006
Major Initiatives
The MoEFCC has launched several major initiatives to promote environmental conservation and sustainable development in India, including:
- National Mission for a Green India: A national afforestation programme aimed at increasing the country’s forest cover to 33% of its total geographical area.
- National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): A comprehensive strategy to reduce air pollution in Indian cities by 20-30% by 2024.
- National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC): A comprehensive strategy to address the challenges of climate change in India, focusing on eight key missions, including solar power, energy efficiency, and sustainable agriculture.
- Swachh Bharat Mission: A national campaign to improve sanitation and cleanliness in India, with a focus on eliminating open defecation and promoting waste management.
- National River Conservation Plan (NRCP): A programme to reduce pollution and improve the water quality of major Indian rivers, including the Ganga and Yamuna.
International Cooperation
The MoEFCC actively participates in international environmental negotiations and collaborates with various international organizations, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). India has also ratified the Paris Agreement on climate change and has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 33-35% by 2030, compared to 2005 levels.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable development and environmental conservation in India. Through its various programmes, initiatives, and legislation, the ministry aims to balance economic growth with the protection of the country’s natural resources and the welfare of its people.
