MODULE 5 Ministry of Environment and Forests (MOEF)

•The Ministry of Environment & Forests is the nodal agency in the administrative structure of the Central Government, for the planning, promotion, co-ordination and overseeing the implementation of environmental and forestry programmes. MoEF oversees all environmental matters in the country and is a permanent member of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council.

•The Ministry also plays a pivotal role as participant of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The principal activities undertaken by Ministry of Environment & Forests consist of conservation of forests and wildlife, prevention & control of pollution, forestation & regeneration of degraded areas and protection of environment, in the frame work of legislations.

•The main tools utilized for this include surveys, impact assessment, control of pollution, regeneration programmes, support to organizations, research to solve solutions and training to augment the requisite manpower, collection and dissemination of environmental information and creation of environmental awareness among all sectors of the country's population


Functions of MoEF

•Management of environment and ecology.
•Matters relating to environment pollution control.
•Conservation of forests and development of forest resources (government and private), forest inventory, grading and quality control of forest products.
•Forestation and regeneration of forest extraction of forest produce.
•Plantation of exotic cinchona and rubber.
•Botanical gardens and botanical surveys.
•Tree plantation.
•Planning cell is responsible for preparation of schemes and coordination in respect of forest.
•Research and training in forestry.
•Mechanized forestry operations.
•Protection of wild birds and animals and establishment of sanctuaries.
•Matters relating to marketing of forest produce.
•Liaison with international organizations and matters relating to treaties and agreements with other countries and world bodies relating to subjects allotted to this Ministry.

Organisational Structure OF MoEF

It covers a number of Divisions, Directorates, Boards, Subordinate Offices, Autonomous Institutions & public sector undertakings.
Divisions of MoEF:
•Animal welfare.
•Conservation and survey.
•Control of pollution.
•Environment Education.
•Environment Research.
•Environmental Impact Assessment.
Subordinate offices:
•Botanical survey of India, Kolkata.
•Directorate of Forest Education, Dehradun.
•National Zoological Park, New Delhi.
•National Museum of Natural History, New Delhi.


Autonomous Institutions:
•Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi.
•Central Zoo Authority, New Delhi.
•GB Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Almora.
•Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, Dehradun.