Environment & Forests

The primary concerns of the Ministry of Environment & Forests(External website that opens in a new window) under the Government structure and Implementation of policies and programmes relating to conservation of the country’s natural resources including lakes and rivers, its biodiversity, forests and wildlife, ensuring the welfare of animals and prevention and abatement of pollution. While implementing these polices 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(External website that opens in a new window) (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 the 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 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.

These objectives are well supported by a set of legislative and regulatory measures, aimed at the preservation, conservation and protection of the environment. Besides the legislative measures, a Natural Conservation Strategy and Policy Statement on Environment and Development, 1992, National Forest Policy. 1988, a Policy Statement on Abatement of Pollution, 1992 and a National Environment Policy 2006 have also been evolved.