Important Bodies in Environmental Field

Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC):

The EAC is appointed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) or the respective State Government.

Its primary role is to assess the environmental and social aspects of proposed projects, including their potential impacts on forests, wildlife, and local communities.

The EAC evaluates Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports submitted by project proponents and provides recommendations to the regulatory authorities regarding the feasibility and environmental acceptability of the projects.

The committee comprises experts from various fields, such as ecology, biodiversity, forestry, wildlife conservation, and social sciences, who review the technical aspects of the projects.

Forest Advisory Committee (FAC):

The FAC operates under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) at the central level and under the State Forest Departments at the state level.

Its main responsibility is to review proposals for the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes, such as infrastructure development, mining, industrial projects, etc.

The FAC evaluates the forest clearance proposals (FCPs) submitted by project proponents and considers factors such as the importance of forests, biodiversity value, wildlife habitats, socio-economic implications, and the adequacy of mitigation measures.

The committee comprises representatives from government agencies, experts in forestry, wildlife management, tribal affairs, and other related fields, as well as non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and tribal representatives.

In summary, the EAC focuses on technical evaluations of projects' environmental aspects, whereas the FAC specifically deals with proposals for the diversion of forest land and considers broader ecological and socio-economic factors.

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB):

Established under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and later expanded under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.

• Section 3: Constitution of the Central Pollution Control Board.
• Section 16: Functions of the Central Pollution Control Board.

Responsible for coordinating pollution control activities, setting standards for air and water quality, and enforcing environmental regulations at the national level.

State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs):

Each state in India has its own Pollution Control Board, established under the respective state's pollution control laws.

• Section 17: Constitution of State Pollution Control Boards (under the Water Act).
• Section 18: Functions of State Pollution Control Boards (under the Water Act).

Responsible for monitoring and controlling pollution within their jurisdictions, enforcing environmental standards, and issuing permits for industries and other activities with potential environmental impacts.

National Biodiversity Authority (NBA):

Established under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.

Responsible for implementing India's biodiversity conservation strategy, regulating access to biological resources, and ensuring equitable sharing of benefits arising from their utilization.

Central Board for the Prevention and Control of Water Pollution (CBPCWP):

Established under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.

Responsible for addressing water pollution issues, coordinating pollution control activities, and advising the central government on water pollution-related matters.

State Forest Departments:

Each state in India has its own Forest Department, established under the respective state's forest conservation laws.

Responsible for managing and conserving forest resources, wildlife, and biodiversity within their jurisdictions, as well as implementing afforestation and conservation programs.

Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB):

Established under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Responsible for combating wildlife crime, including illegal trade in wildlife and wildlife products, and coordinating with law enforcement agencies to enforce wildlife protection laws.

National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA):

Established under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and later amended in 2006.

Responsible for overseeing the conservation and management of tiger reserves in India, implementing tiger conservation programs, and coordinating with state governments and stakeholders.

Central Zoo Authority (CZA):

Established under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Responsible for regulating the establishment and management of zoos in India, ensuring their compliance with standards for animal care, conservation, and education.

• Section 38H: Constitution of the Central Zoo Authority.
• Section 38I: Functions of the Central Zoo Authority.

National Coastal Zone Management Authority (NCZMA):

Established under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 1991.

Responsible for implementing coastal zone management plans, regulating development activities in coastal areas, and protecting coastal ecosystems and biodiversity.

National Green Tribunal (NGT):

Established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.

A specialized environmental court tasked with adjudicating environmental disputes, enforcing environmental laws, and providing effective and expeditious remedies for environmental violations and damage.

• Section 3: Establishment of the National Green Tribunal.
• Section 14: Jurisdiction and Powers of the National Green Tribunal.

National River Conservation Directorate (NRCD):

Established under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Responsible for coordinating and implementing programs for the conservation and restoration of rivers, including the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) and other river cleaning initiatives.

National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP):

Implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Aims to conserve and manage wetlands across India through various conservation measures, including habitat restoration, biodiversity conservation, and community participation.

State Coastal Zone Management Authorities (SCZMAs):

Each coastal state in India has its own Coastal Zone Management Authority, established under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 1991.

Responsible for implementing coastal zone management plans, regulating development activities in coastal areas, and protecting coastal ecosystems and biodiversity within their respective states.

These governmental bodies, along with the previously mentioned ones, form a comprehensive framework for environmental governance and conservation in India, addressing various aspects of environmental protection, wildlife conservation, and sustainable development.