The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is an Indian government ministry. The ministry is responsible for planning, promoting, coordinating, and overseeing the implementation of environmental and forestry programmes in the country. The main activities undertaken by the ministry include conservation and survey of the flora of India and fauna of India, forests and other wilderness areas; prevention and control of pollution; Indian Himalayan Environment and its sustainable development; afforestation, and land degradation mitigation. It is responsible for the administration of the 1947 national parks of India.
Roles & Responsibilities
Environmental Clearances (EC) for Construction Projects
- Mandatory for large-scale construction (e.g., buildings >20,000 sq.m, townships, industrial parks, highways, airports, etc.).
- Conducts Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and public hearings.
- Grants or denies EC based on the potential environmental impact.
Environmental Impact Assessment Notification (2006)
- Governs how infrastructure and construction projects are appraised.
- Classifies projects into categories (A or B) requiring Central or State-level clearance.
- Ensures environmental sustainability in planning and execution phases.
Monitoring and Compliance
- Inspects construction projects to ensure compliance with environmental norms (air, water, noise pollution).
- Acts through bodies like Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs).
Afforestation and Compensatory Plantation
- For any diversion of forest land for construction (roads, dams, industrial units), developers must undertake compensatory afforestation.
- Oversees implementation through the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
Green Building and Sustainable Practices Promotion
- Encourages eco-friendly construction practices via policies and incentives.
- Supports use of rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient materials, and waste management in urban development projects.
Wetlands, Coastal Regulation Zones (CRZ) & Eco-sensitive Zones
- Regulates construction near coasts, rivers, and protected areas.
- Enforces CRZ Rules, Wetlands Rules, and Wildlife Protection Act, ensuring construction doesn’t harm ecosystems.
Waste Management Oversight
- Enforces Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2016.
- Ensures safe disposal, recycling, and reuse of C&D debris by developers and municipalities.