Indian Environmental organizations (P1)

1.Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI):

Establishment and Purpose:

• Formed under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, AWBI is a statutory advisory body.
• Established in 1962, its primary role is to provide advice on animal welfare laws and policymaking.

Administrative Details:

• Headquarters located in Chennai.
• The Board comprises 28 members, each serving a three-year term, renewable upon completion.

AWBI Scheme:

• AWBI's scheme focuses on providing assistance for various activities related to animal welfare.
  • Financial support to animal welfare organizations for the care and treatment of distressed stray animals.
  • Implementation of human education programs aimed at promoting animal welfare.
  • Allocation of funds for diverse animal welfare activities, including rescuing cattle from illegal smuggling, rehabilitating circus animals, lab animals, conducting inspections, covering legal expenses related to animal welfare court cases, and operating mobile clinics.

Membership Composition:

• The Board represents a collaboration of government organizations, animal rights activists, and parliamentarians.
• Comprised of 28 Members, each holding office for a term of 3 years.

2.National Board for Wildlife (NBWL):

Establishment and Constitution:

• Constituted under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) plays a crucial role in wildlife conservation and management.

Standing Committee Formation:

• The National Board holds the authority to form a Standing Committee as deemed necessary.
• The NBWL Standing Committee, led by the Union Ministry of Environment & Forests, ensures meticulous adherence to statutory processes outlined by the Wildlife Protection Act (WLPA).

Composition of Standing Committee:

• The Standing Committee comprises the Vice-Chairperson (Union Minister in charge of Forests and Wildlife), the Member Secretary, and up to ten members nominated by the Vice-Chairperson from the National Board.

Mandates of the WLPA:

• The WLPA stipulates that crucial actions such as construction of tourist lodges, alteration of Protected Areas (PAs) boundaries, destruction or diversion of wildlife habitat, and de-notification of Tiger Reserves require prior approval/recommendation from the NBWL.

Regulation of Wildlife Activities:

• The WLPA strictly prohibits any individual from destroying wildlife or diverting the habitat of wild animals without a permit.
• No permit can be granted unless it is deemed essential for the enhancement and effective management of wildlife.
• This regulatory framework extends to government projects, ensuring they align with wildlife protection provisions.

Role of the Standing Committee:

• The Standing Committee holds the responsibility to rigorously evaluate each proposal, ensuring strict conformity with the WLPA.
• Every decision made must be accompanied by clear, written justifications on how the project contributes to the improvement and enhanced management of wildlife.

3.Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB):

Establishment and Jurisdiction:

• A statutory organization operating under the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change.
• Founded in 1974 pursuant to the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
• Entrusted with powers and responsibilities outlined in the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
• Functions as a field formation, providing technical services to the Ministry of Environment and Forests under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
• Headquartered in New Delhi, it is the apex body in the country for pollution control, serving as the technical wing of the MoEFC.
• The Chairperson, leading its board, is appointed by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet of the Government of India.

Powers and Functions of CPCB:

1. Advisory Role:
   • Provides advice to the Central Government on matters related to the prevention and control of water and air pollution and the enhancement of air quality.
2. Program Planning and Execution:
   • Plans and executes nationwide programs aimed at preventing, controlling, or mitigating water and air pollution.
3. Coordination and Conflict Resolution:
   • Coordinates activities among State Boards and intervenes to resolve disputes among them.
4. Technical Assistance and Guidance:
   • Offers technical support and guidance to State Boards, conducts and sponsors investigations and research on water and air pollution issues, and strategies for their prevention, control, or abatement.
5. Training Programs:
   • Plans and organizes training programs for individuals engaged in initiatives targeting the prevention, control, or abatement of water and air pollution.
6. Mass Awareness Campaigns:
   • Organizes comprehensive mass awareness programs through mass media channels focusing on the prevention, control, or abatement of water and air pollution.

4.National Green Tribunal (NGT):

Establishment and Purpose:

• Founded in 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010.
• Dedicated to the efficient resolution of cases concerning environmental protection, conservation of forests, and natural resource management.
• Equipped with specialized knowledge to handle complex environmental disputes of a multi-disciplinary nature.

Legal Autonomy:

• Not bound by the procedural norms of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.
• Operates based on principles of natural justice, ensuring a fair and impartial decision-making process.

Jurisdiction and Speedy Justice:

• Holds exclusive jurisdiction in environmental matters, contributing to swift environmental justice.
• Aims to alleviate the burden of litigation in higher courts.
• Mandated to strive for the final disposal of applications or appeals within six months of filing.

Constitutional Inspiration:

• Draws inspiration from Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, ensuring the right to a healthy environment for all citizens.
• Recognized as a special court, making India the third country globally to establish such a tribunal.

Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC):

• Operates under the auspices of NGT, addressing environmental concerns within the jurisdiction of Delhi.

Structure of NGT:

Composition of Members:

• The Chairperson, a retired Supreme Court Judge.
• Other Judicial members, retired Judges of High Courts.
• Each bench includes at least one Judicial Member and one Expert Member.
• Expert Members possess professional qualifications and a minimum of 15 years of experience in environmental/forest conservation.

Regional Benches:

• Principal Place of Sitting: New Delhi.
• Regional Benches in Pune (West), Bhopal (Central), Chennai (South), and Kolkata (East).

Laws Governed by NGT:

• Deals with civil cases under seven environmental laws:
  • The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
  • The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977.
  • The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
  • The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
  • The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
  • The Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991.
  • The Biological Diversity Act, 2002.

Limitations:

• Specific issues under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the Indian Forest Act, 1927, and state laws on forests and tree preservation cannot be raised before the NGT.

5.National Biodiversity Authority (NBA):

Establishment and Mandate:

• The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) was established by the Central Government in 2003 to enforce India’s Biological Diversity Act (2002).
• Functioning as a Statutory Body, NBA plays a pivotal role in facilitating, regulating, and advising the Government of India on conservation, sustainable use of biological resources, and fair distribution of benefits from their utilization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Advises State Governments on identifying areas of biodiversity significance as heritage sites and formulates management strategies for such sites.
• Considers requests, granting approval or otherwise, for activities specified in Sections 3, 4, and 6 of the Act.
• Supports the creation of State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) and facilitates the establishment of Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) at the local level.

Regional Presence:

• NBA is headquartered in Chennai.
• Since its inception, NBA has aided in the formation of SBBs in 28 States and Union Territories, along with the establishment of approximately 2,53,040 BMCs.

5(A).State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs):

Establishment and Composition:

• SBBs are mandated by Section 22(2) of the Act, with 29 States having established them to date.
• Comprising a Chairperson, ex-officio members representing relevant State Government departments, and appointed experts in biodiversity conservation, SBBs focus on key functions.

Functions of State Biodiversity Board:

• Advises the State Government on matters related to biodiversity conservation, sustainable utilization of biological components, and fair sharing of benefits arising from biological resource utilization.
• Regulates requests for commercial utilization or bio-survey and bio-utilization of biological resources by Indians.
• Performs additional functions necessary for implementing the provisions of the Act, as prescribed by the State Government.

6.Central Zoo Authority:

Genesis:

• The Indian Board for Wildlife reconstituted its Zoo Wing as the 'Expert Group on Zoos' during its 9th session on November 18, 1972, in New Delhi.
• The recommendation for establishing a central agency led to the amendment of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, in 1991, creating the Central Zoo Authority as a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment & Forests in 1992.
• The Authority comprises a Chairman, ten members, and a Member Secretary.

Functions of Central Zoo Authority: The Authority, under Section 38(C) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, is tasked with:

1. Specifying minimum standards for housing, upkeep, and veterinary care of animals in zoos.
2. Evaluating and assessing zoos' functioning in accordance with prescribed standards.
3. Recognizing or derecognizing zoos.
4. Identifying endangered species for captive breeding and assigning responsibilities to zoos.
5. Coordinating acquisition, exchange, and loaning of animals for breeding.
6. Ensuring maintenance of studbooks for endangered species bred in captivity.
7. Identifying priorities and themes for displaying captive animals.
8. Coordinating training of zoo personnel nationally and internationally.
9. Coordinating research in captive breeding and educational programs for zoos.
10. Providing technical and other assistance for zoo management and development.

Objectives: The primary objectives of the Central Zoo Authority are:

1. Complementing national conservation efforts, particularly for fauna, as per the National Zoo Policy, 1998.
2. Enforcing minimum standards and norms for animal upkeep and healthcare in Indian zoos.
3. Controlling the proliferation of unplanned and ill-conceived zoos.

Regulatory Framework:

• The Recognition of Zoo Rules, 1992, amended in 2009 and 2013, establishes standards for housing, upkeep, health care, and diet in Indian zoos.
• Every zoo must obtain recognition from the Authority, which evaluates compliance with the prescribed parameters.

Facilitative Role:

• The Authority acts as a facilitator, providing technical and financial assistance to zoos with the potential to meet desired animal management standards.

Conservation Initiatives:

• Regulating the exchange of animals among zoos, particularly those listed under Schedule-I and II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
• Approving exchanges between Indian and foreign zoos, coordinating with relevant authorities.

Capacity Building and Research:

• Coordinating and implementing programs on capacity building for zoo personnel.
• Conducting planned conservation breeding programs and ex-situ research, including biotechnological interventions, to complement in-situ conservation efforts in the country.

7.Zoological Survey of India (ZSI): 

Introduction:

• The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) operates as a subordinate organization under the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India. Established with a specific focus on faunistic survey and resource exploration, ZSI plays a vital role in biodiversity research.

Establishment and Historical Background:

• Founded in 1916, ZSI originated as a national center dedicated to the systematic survey and exploration of faunal diversity. The genesis of this institution can be traced back to the establishment of the Zoological Section within the Indian Museum at Calcutta in 1875.

Headquarters:

• ZSI's headquarters are situated in Kolkata, providing a centralized location for its operations and research activities.

8.Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB):

Established by the Government of India under the Ministry of Environment and Forests, the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) is a statutory multi-disciplinary body aimed at combating organized wildlife crime within the country.

Headquarters and Regional Offices:

The WCCB operates from its headquarters in New Delhi and maintains five regional offices strategically located in Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, and Jabalpur.

Mandated Functions of WCCB:

Under Section 38 (Z) of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, the WCCB is entrusted with specific functions:

1. Intelligence Collection and Dissemination:
   • Collects and collates intelligence related to organized wildlife crime activities.
   • Disseminates gathered intelligence to state and other enforcement agencies promptly for immediate action and apprehension of criminals.
2. Wildlife Crime Data Bank:
   • Establishes and maintains a centralized wildlife crime data bank to enhance information accessibility for effective enforcement.
3. Coordination and Cooperation:
   • Coordinates actions among various agencies to enforce the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act.
4. International Collaboration:
   • Assists foreign authorities and international organizations to facilitate coordination and universal action for wildlife crime control.
5. Capacity Building:
   • Enhances the capacity of wildlife crime enforcement agencies for scientific and professional investigation into wildlife crimes.
   • Assists state governments in ensuring successful prosecutions related to wildlife crimes.
6. Policy Advisory Role:
   • Advises the Government of India on issues related to wildlife crimes with national and international ramifications, including relevant policy and laws.
7. Customs Assistance:
   • Provides assistance and advice to Customs authorities in inspecting consignments of flora and fauna as per the provisions of the Wild Life Protection Act, CITES, and EXIM Policy governing such items.

9.Wildlife Trust of India (WTI):

Overview:

• Established in November 1998, Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) is a prominent nature conservation organization dedicated to serving nature.
• The formation of WTI was prompted by the urgent need to address the alarming decline in the condition of wildlife in India.
• Registered as a charity in India under Section 12A of the Income Tax Act, 1961, WTI operates as a non-profit organization.
• The headquarters are located in NOIDA, Uttar Pradesh.

Mission and Vision:

• Mission: WTI is committed to conserving wildlife and its habitat while working for the welfare of individual wild animals. This is done in collaboration with communities and governments.
• Vision: WTI envisions a secure natural heritage for India.

Organizational Structure:

• WTI comprises a dedicated team of 150 professionals who passionately work towards achieving the organization's vision.
• The team focuses on six priority landscapes, strategically interconnected by nine key strategies or "Big Ideas."

10.National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA): 

Formation and Objectives:

• Established in February 20, 2009, under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
• Mission Clean Ganga initiated to address challenges in wastewater management, solid waste management, industrial pollution, and riverfront development.

Objectives of NGRBA:

1. Effective Pollution Abatement and Conservation:
   • Adopting a river basin approach for comprehensive planning and management.
   • Promoting inter-sectoral coordination to address pollution issues.
2. Maintaining Environmental Flows:
   • Ensuring water quality and environmentally sustainable development.
   • Focusing on environmental flows in the river Ganga.

NGRBA Functions:

1. Ganga River Basin Management Plan:
   • Development and implementation to address conservation challenges.
2. Regulation of Pollution Control Activities:
   • Monitoring and regulating activities for pollution prevention, control, and abatement.
3. Water Quality Maintenance:
   • Ensuring and maintaining water quality standards in the river Ganga.
4. River Ecology Measures:
   • Implementing measures relevant to the river ecology in the Ganga basin states.
5. Ecological Flows Maintenance:
   • Mandated to ensure the maintenance of minimum ecological flows in the river Ganga.
6. Planning, Financing, and Execution of Programs:
   • Taking necessary measures for the augmentation of sewerage infrastructure.
   • Implementing catchment area treatment and floodplain protection programs.
7. Public Awareness Initiatives:
   • Creating awareness among the public regarding Ganga conservation.

Transition to National Council for River Ganga:

• In September 2016, the Government of India ordered the formation of the National Council for River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection, and Management) to replace NGRBA.
• The new body holds overall responsibility for pollution prevention and the rejuvenation of the Ganga River Basin.

National Ganga Council:

• Chairmanship: Headed by the Prime Minister.
• Legal Foundation: Formed under the Environment (Protection) Act (EPA), 1986.
• Scope of Responsibility: Entrusted with the overall responsibility for the supervision of pollution prevention and the rejuvenation of the River Ganga Basin, encompassing the Ganga and its tributaries.

National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG):

• Establishment: Founded in 2011 as a registered society.
• Management Structure:
  • Two-tiered management structure comprising the Governing Council and Executive Committee.
• Objectives:
  • Ensure effective control of pollution and rejuvenation of the river Ganga through a river basin approach, promoting inter-sectoral coordination for comprehensive planning and management.
  • Maintain minimum ecological flows in the River Ganga to ensure water quality and environmentally sustainable development.