The Department of Environment, Forests & Climate Change envisions sustainable conservation, scientific management, and ecological restoration of forests, wildlife, and natural resources for the benefit of present and future generations. Guided by the National Forest Policy, 1988, the Department aims to increase forest and tree cover to one-third of the State’s geographical area through integrated forest management, biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and community participation.
The Department strives to:
• Protect and strengthen existing forest ecosystems and wildlife habitats;
• Restore degraded and barren lands through afforestation and ecological regeneration;
• Promote tree planting and agroforestry outside forests to reduce pressure on natural forests;
• Ensure environmental stability, ecological security, and sustainable livelihoods through participatory forest management.
The Department functions through a structured administrative, territorial, wildlife, research, planning, and training framework headed by the PCCF & HoFF to implement policies and programmes related to forestry, wildlife conservation, climate change, and environmental protection across the State.
Its mission is to:
• Plan, coordinate, implement, and monitor forestry and wildlife programmes through territorial and functional divisions;
• Ensure sustainable management of forests and biodiversity using scientific and technical approaches;
• Strengthen conservation of protected areas, wildlife habitats, and ecological landscapes;
• Enhance forest productivity and tree cover through afforestation, silvicultural practices, soil and water conservation, and climate-responsive forestry interventions;
• Promote people’s participation and community-based forest management for sustainable livelihoods and equitable benefit sharing;
• Build institutional and technical capacity through research, training, monitoring, extension services, and environmental awareness programmes.
1. Forest Protection and Biodiversity Conservation
• Protection and conservation of forests, wildlife, and protected areas;
• Prevention of forest degradation, encroachment, illegal felling, and forest fires;
• Habitat improvement and biodiversity conservation through scientific management practices.
2. Enhancement of Forest and Tree Cover
• Afforestation and reforestation of degraded and barren lands;
• Regeneration of natural forests through silvicultural interventions;
• Soil and moisture conservation for ecological restoration and watershed protection.
3. Sustainable Forest Management
• Sustainable utilization of forest resources while maintaining ecological balance.
• Community participation in forest management and livelihood generation.
• Strengthening institutional capacity, monitoring systems, and effective service delivery mechanisms.
4. Expansion of Tree Cover Outside Forests
• Promotion of agroforestry, farm forestry, and urban greening initiatives;
• Encouragement of tree plantation activities in private and community lands;
• Extension, awareness, and outreach programmes to promote environmental stewardship among the public.
