Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) reversed its decision to establish integrated regional offices by merging key environmental bodies under its umbrella.
What was the Ministry’s proposal
- The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) had initially proposed a reorganization plan to establish integrated regional offices by merging the offices of various environmental organizations. The entities involved in this proposed merger were the Forest Survey of India (FSI), the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), and the Central Zoo Authority (CZA).
- The intention behind this reorganization was to create a streamlined structure and, as mentioned, promote “ease of doing business.” However, this plan was met with criticism from activists and experts who were concerned that the merger would weaken the authority and effectiveness of these key environmental organizations.
Forest Survey of India(FSI)
- It is a government agency responsible for conducting forest surveys, assessments, and related research.
- FSI replaced the “Pre-investment Survey of Forest Resources” (PISFR), an initiative initiated by the Indian government in 1965, with assistance from the FAO and the UNDP.
- India State of Forest Report (ISFR) is a biennial publication of FSI.
National Tiger Conservation Authority
- It is a statutory body established under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 in December 2005, following a recommendation of the Tiger Task Force.
- It is responsible for managing Project Tiger and India’s Tiger Reserves.
- The Union Environment Minister is the Chairperson of NTCA and the State Environment Minister is the Vice-Chairperson.
Wildlife Crime Control Bureau
- It is a statutory multi-disciplinary body (WPA 1972) established to combat organized wildlife crime in the country.
- The Bureau has its headquarters in New Delhi. It advise the Government of India on issues relating to wildlife crimes having national and international ramifications, relevant policy and laws.
- It also assists and advises the Customs authorities in inspection of the consignments of flora & fauna as per the provisions of Wild Life Protection Act, CITES and EXIM Policy governing such an item.
Central Zoo Authority
- It is also a statutory body (WPA 1972) to regulate and monitor the functioning of zoos in India and ensure their compliance with the standards and norms prescribed by it.
- Apart from the primary function of grant of recognition, the CZA also regulates the exchange of animals of endangered category listed under Schedule- I and II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 among zoos.
- The Environment Minister is the chairperson of CZA.