Ministry of Environment & Forests

Ministry of Environment & Forests (MEF)

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 (ECNEC).

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

The main tools utilized for this include surveys, impact assessment, control of pollution, regeneration programmes, support to organizations, research to find 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.