MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE(MoEFCC)
1. Context
2. Ministry's Integration Plan and key takeaways
- MoEFCC proposed merging key environmental bodies during the COVID-19 lockdown.
- Critics argued integration would weaken organizations' effectiveness.
- NTCA's ability to oppose projects in Tiger Reserves would be compromised.
- MoEFCC cited "ease of doing business" as the reason for the merger.
- NTCA opposed the merger, fearing administrative confusion and loss of independence.
- Internal documents revealed conflicting viewpoints.
- MoEFCC abandoned the merger due to technical challenges.
- Environmental lawyer Ritwick Dutta criticized the unplanned decision.
- Mergers are viewed as undermining statutory, scientific, and administrative bodies.
- A new notification suggests reorganizing regional offices.
- Critics question the lack of objective criteria in reorganization.
- Example: Bengaluru office's jurisdiction spans diverse states and territories.
3. Project Tiger and Project Elephant Mergers
- Indian government announced Project Tiger and Project Elephant merger.
- Concerns were raised about NTCA's autonomy and Project Elephant's significance.
- The lack of legal backing for Project Elephant adds to apprehensions.
4. MoEFCC
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) serves as a pivotal entity in India's efforts to safeguard its natural resources, promote environmental sustainability, and address climate change challenges. Established with the aim of preserving the nation's rich biodiversity and ensuring ecological balance, the MoEFCC holds a significant role in shaping India's environmental policies and strategies.
Mandate and Responsibilities
The MoEFCC's primary mandate revolves around formulating and implementing policies and programs that foster environmental conservation, sustainable forest management, and climate change mitigation. It plays a crucial role in:
- Biodiversity Conservation: The ministry focuses on protecting India's diverse flora and fauna, including endangered species, through initiatives such as wildlife conservation, protected area management, and habitat restoration.
- Forestry and Ecosystem Management: MoEFCC aims to ensure the sustainable use of forest resources, afforestation, and ecosystem preservation. It oversees programs for afforestation, reforestation, and restoration of degraded lands.
- Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: Addressing the global challenge of climate change, the ministry formulates strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance resilience, and promote sustainable energy and green technologies.
- Environmental Regulation and Impact Assessment: MoEFCC plays a regulatory role by evaluating the environmental impact of development projects and ensuring adherence to environmental norms and standards.
- Wildlife Protection and Conservation: The ministry is responsible for the protection of wildlife, including critically endangered species, and the management of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and conservation areas.
Key Initiatives and Programs
The MoEFCC has launched several significant initiatives to address pressing environmental concerns and promote sustainable development:
- Project Tiger and Project Elephant: These initiatives focus on conserving and protecting India's iconic tiger and elephant populations and their habitats.
- National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC): MoEFCC spearheads this comprehensive strategy to combat climate change, incorporating eight national missions that cover various sectors, from renewable energy to sustainable agriculture.
- Green India Mission: A part of NAPCC, this mission aims to enhance forest and tree cover, restore ecosystems, and strengthen biodiversity conservation.
- National Clean Air Program (NCAP): Addressing air quality issues, NCAP seeks to reduce air pollution levels in Indian cities and promote cleaner air for healthier living.
- International Environmental Agreements: The ministry represents India in international forums and negotiations related to environmental treaties and agreements, including the Paris Agreement on climate change.
5. Forest Survey of India (FSI)
The Forest Survey of India (FSI) is a premier institution dedicated to assessing, monitoring, and managing India's diverse forest resources. Established in 1981 under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the FSI plays a pivotal role in gathering accurate and comprehensive data on the country's forests, contributing significantly to informed decision-making and sustainable forest management.
Mandate and Objectives
The FSI is clearly mandated to provide reliable and up-to-date information on India's forest cover, biodiversity, land use changes, and related ecological parameters. Its key objectives include:
- Forest Cover Assessment: FSI conducts periodic assessments of forest cover through satellite remote sensing and ground-based surveys. These assessments provide essential data on forest extent, types, and changes over time.
- Biodiversity Monitoring: The FSI contributes to biodiversity conservation efforts by monitoring flora, fauna, and their habitats. This information aids in identifying ecologically sensitive areas and formulating conservation strategies.
- Carbon Sequestration and Climate Change: The FSI assesses the role of forests in carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation, offering critical insights into India's contribution to global efforts in this area.
- Forest Resource Planning: FSI's data forms the basis for sustainable forest resource planning, helping policymakers make informed decisions regarding afforestation, reforestation, and conservation initiatives.
Key Functions and Initiatives
The Forest Survey of India carries out a range of functions to fulfill its objectives:
- National Forest Inventory (NFI): FSI conducts the NFI to assess the extent and condition of forests in India. The inventory provides valuable insights into forest health, composition, and ecological dynamics.
- Forest Fire Monitoring: FSI monitors forest fires and assesses their impact on forest ecosystems. This information aids in developing strategies to prevent and manage forest fires.
- Geospatial Data and Technology: The FSI employs cutting-edge geospatial technology and remote sensing to map and analyze forest resources, enabling accurate and detailed assessments.
- Forest Cover Mapping: FSI produces comprehensive forest cover maps, capturing the distribution of various forest types, protected areas, and other relevant features.
6. National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is a dedicated agency under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in India, established with the primary goal of conserving and protecting the nation's iconic tiger population and their habitats. Founded in 2005, the NTCA has played a pivotal role in coordinating efforts to ensure the survival of tigers while maintaining the ecological balance of the ecosystems they inhabit.
Mandate and Objectives
The NTCA operates with a clear and focused mandate to oversee and implement the Project Tiger program, which aims to conserve and manage tiger reserves across India. Its key objectives include:
- Tiger Conservation: NTCA is responsible for the effective implementation of policies and programs aimed at conserving the endangered tiger species. This involves protecting tiger habitats, curbing poaching and illegal wildlife trade, and mitigating human-tiger conflicts.
- Tiger Reserve Management: NTCA oversees the management and administration of tiger reserves, ensuring that they are effectively protected, well-managed, and support healthy tiger populations.
- Ecological Balance: While the focus is on tiger conservation, NTCA recognizes the interconnectedness of ecosystems. It works to preserve the overall health of these ecosystems, benefiting a wide range of flora and fauna.
Key Functions and Initiatives
NTCA carries out several important functions to fulfill its objectives:
- Project Tiger: The flagship program involves the identification and protection of critical tiger habitats, anti-poaching measures, habitat management, and community involvement.
- Monitoring and Surveillance: NTCA employs advanced technology, such as camera traps and satellite tracking, to monitor tiger populations, track their movements, and detect potential threats.
- Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation: NTCA implements strategies to minimize conflicts between tigers and local communities, ensuring the safety of both humans and wildlife.
7. Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB)
The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) is a specialized agency established by the Government of India to combat wildlife crimes and illegal trade in wildlife and their derivatives. Operating under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the WCCB plays a crucial role in preserving the country's precious biodiversity and protecting endangered species from exploitation and trafficking.
Mandate and Objectives
The primary mandate of the WCCB is to enforce laws and regulations related to wildlife protection and conservation. Its key objectives include:
- Preventing Wildlife Crime: WCCB is tasked with preventing and combating crimes related to poaching, illegal trade, and trafficking of wildlife and their parts. It works to disrupt criminal networks involved in these activities.
- Investigation and Prosecution: The bureau conducts investigations, collects evidence, and assists law enforcement agencies in prosecuting individuals and groups involved in wildlife crimes.
- Capacity Building: WCCB enhances the capabilities of law enforcement personnel, wildlife officials, and other stakeholders through training programs and workshops on wildlife crime detection and prevention.
Key Functions and Initiatives
WCCB carries out a range of activities to achieve its objectives:
- Intelligence Gathering: The bureau gathers intelligence on wildlife crimes, monitors illegal trade routes, and identifies potential hotspots for criminal activities.
- Undercover Operations: WCCB conducts undercover operations to infiltrate criminal networks involved in wildlife trafficking and gather evidence for legal action.
- Forensic Analysis: The bureau employs forensic techniques to analyze seized wildlife products and provide evidence for prosecution.
8. Central Zoo Authority (CZA)
The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in India. Established in 1992, the CZA plays a critical role in overseeing and regulating the operation and management of zoos across the country. Its main objective is to ensure the welfare of captive animals, promote conservation education, and maintain high standards of animal care and management.
Mandate and Objectives
The CZA operates with a clear mandate to regulate and monitor zoos in India. Its key objectives include:
- Animal Welfare and Conservation: CZA aims to ensure the well-being of animals housed in zoos, promote their conservation, and prevent cruelty and exploitation.
- Conservation Breeding: The authority encourages and oversees captive breeding programs for endangered species, contributing to their conservation and eventual reintroduction into the wild.
- Visitor Education: CZA focuses on raising awareness and educating the public about wildlife conservation, biodiversity, and environmental issues through zoos' educational and outreach programs.
- Zoo Infrastructure and Standards: CZA sets and enforces guidelines and standards for the design, construction, and maintenance of zoo facilities, enclosures, and exhibits.
Key Functions and Initiatives
CZA carries out several important functions to fulfill its objectives:
- Zoo Recognition and Regulation: The authority grants recognition to zoos that meet its standards and guidelines, ensuring that they provide appropriate living conditions for animals and adhere to ethical practices.
- Inspections and Monitoring: CZA conducts regular inspections and evaluations of zoos to assess their compliance with regulations and guidelines.
- Capacity Building: The authority provides training and capacity-building programs for zoo personnel, promoting skill development and knowledge enhancement in animal care and management.
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For Prelims: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Forest Survey of India(FSI), National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), and the Central Zoo Authority (CZA).
For Mains: 1. Discuss the role and significance of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in India's efforts towards sustainable development, environmental conservation, and addressing climate change challenges. (250 words)
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Previous year Question1. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change recently published the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, in 2020. Which of the following statements is correct about EIA? (Punjab Civil Service 2020)
1. It predicts the effect of a proposed industrial/infrastructural project on the environment.
2. It prevents the proposed activity/project from being approved without proper oversight or taking adverse consequences into account.
3. It compares various alternatives for a project and seeks to identify the one which represents the best combination of economic and environmental costs and benefits.
4. As per the new notification, Coal and non-Coal mineral prospecting and solar photovoltaic projects do not need prior environmental clearance.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. Only 1 and 2
B. Only 2, 3 and 4
C. Only 1, 2 and 3
D. Only 1, 2 and 4
Answer: D
2. With reference to the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), consider the following statements: (UPSC 2014)
1. It is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
2. It strives to conserve nature through action-based research, education, and public awareness.
3. It organizes and conducts nature trails and camps for the general public.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: C
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