Environment Page

A new Department by name Environment Department was formed by delinking the subject 'Environment' from the then existing Science, Technology and Environment Department, vide G.O. (Ms) No.10/2006/GAD dated 06.01.2006.The department of Environment is the nodal agency for the planning, promotion, co-ordination and overseeing the implementation of Kerala's environmental and forestry policies and programmes.

 

The Department shall also be the nodal Department to co ordinate with other departments on matters related with environment, awareness generation, climate change management etc.The primary concerns of the department are implementation of policies and programmes relating to conservation of the state's natural resources including its lakes and rivers, its biodiversity, forests and wildlife, ensuring the welfare of animals, and the prevention and abatement of pollution.

 

The Department of Environment was formed by delinking the subject 'Environment' from the then existing Science, Technology and Environment Department.Later at directorate level, Department of Environment and Climate Change (DoECC) under Environment Department was constituted in December 2010 to encourage and promote environment and Climate Change related activities in the Kerala as per G.O.(Ms.) No.06/2010/Envt dated 18.12.2010 and the existing Environment Management Agency, Kerala is declared as the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change under the Environment Department, Government of Kerala.

 

The Main functions of the Department are:

 

- Take up State level environmental development programmes and implement them in collaboration with appropriate agencies.

- Take up State level developmental programmes (Plan, Non Plan, Externally aided, Centrally Sponsored Schemes etc.)

- Activities related to National Action Plan on Climate Change.

- Exercise administrative control of all environmentally related institutes being established in the State.

- Investigate and take appropriate action on complaints related to Environment (Protection) Act 1986.

- Conduct environmental appraisal at planning level related to the development schemes of the State Government.

- Scrutinize the environment related proposals prepared by Government/ non Governmental organizations.

- Involve in various environmental technology activities of Local Self Government institutions, information on environmental technologies and develop a database system.

 

These objectives are well supported by a set of legislative and regulatory measures, aimed at the preservation, conservation and protection of the environment.

 

1.  It shall  be the Nodal  Department  in the State  in all subjects related to or impigning on environment or climate.

 

2.  It shall he responsible for and charged with the implementation of environment policy of the State, enforcement of the legislative, statutory and executive measures for protection and conservation of environment and climate of the State, except in the case of the subjects  specifically  allotted  to any other Departments  as per Part II of these rules.

 

3. It shall  be responsible  for  co-ordination of  the activities  of different Government Departments, Authorities, Institutions and Local Governments in the State, relating to environment and climate.

 

4. It shall ensure the Science and Technology inputs are an essential part of Government's  decision making process with regard to environmental issues concerning the State. It shall also ensure that the Scientific Research and Development activities in the related areas  and reports of scientific studies and technological innovations  are put to .effective implementation  or actionable Environment Management Schemes.

 

5. It shall be responsible for creating environmental awareness and providing environmental education among citizens especially students and members of the public through various public as well as Non Governmental Organizations.

 

6. It shall  facilitate  issues  of conservation of environment  and primary environment care through the decentralized planning and development system of the Local Self Governn1ent Institutions as an effective mechanism to ensure environmental protection at grass root level with popular participation.