Central Empowered Committee

The Central Empowered Committee plays a crucial role in India’s environmental governance framework. Established to address complex environmental issues and ensure compliance with conservation laws, the central empowered committee has been instrumental in providing expert recommendations and overseeing the implementation of policies related to forest and wildlife conservation. 

History of the Central Empowered Committee

The genesis of the central empowered committee can be traced back to the landmark case of N. Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Union of India & Ors (1997). This case, initiated in 1995, highlighted the urgent need for conservation and protection of India’s ecologically fragile regions. Recognising the complexities involved in adjudicating environmental matters, the Supreme Court of India constituted the central empowered committee in 2002. The committee was later reconstituted in 2008 to strengthen its role and expand its scope.

The establishment of the central empowered committee marked a significant step in ensuring judicial oversight of environmental compliance and conservation efforts. The committee was initially set up as an ad hoc body but functioned effectively in advising the Supreme Court on various environmental disputes and monitoring compliance with environmental regulations.

Recent Developments

In a significant move, the Supreme Court of India recently transferred its green watchdog, the Central Empowered Committee, to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. According to the Union Environment Ministry’s notification, the central empowered committee will now be institutionalised as a permanent statutory body, moving away from its earlier ad hoc status. This transition is aimed at providing a stable and continuous oversight mechanism to address environmental concerns effectively.

Composition of the New CEC

The composition of the restructured Central Empowered Committee has undergone significant changes to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness.

Key Components of the New CEC:

Chairperson

• Must have 25 years of experience in the fields of environment, forestry, or wildlife, or significant administrative experience of not less than 25 years in central or state governments.
• The Chairperson will be nominated by the Central Government for a tenure of three years.
• The age limit for the Chairperson is set at 66 years, and the rank must not be below that of an Additional Secretary.

Member Secretary

• A full-time serving government officer, not below the rank of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Forests or a Director in the Government of India.
• Must have at least 12 years of experience in environmental, forestry, or wildlife-related matters.
• Appointed by the Central Government.

Expert Members

• Three expert members, each specialising in the fields of environment, forestry, and wildlife.
• Must have at least 20 years of experience in their respective fields.
• Nominated by the Central Government for a tenure of three years.

Changes in the New Committee Structure

One notable change in the new central empowered committee structure is the exclusion of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), which were previously part of the committee. The earlier structure included NGO representatives who contributed significantly to environmental advocacy and policy oversight. However, the new framework relies solely on government-appointed officials and experts, aiming for a more centralised and streamlined decision-making process.

Key Responsibilities of the Central Empowered Committee

The primary responsibilities of the central empowered committee include:

• Monitoring compliance with environmental laws and regulations.
• Providing expert recommendations to the government and judiciary on environmental issues.
• Investigating complaints and grievances related to environmental violations.
• Conducting site visits and inspections to assess environmental damage and suggest remedial measures.
• Reporting to the Supreme Court and other relevant authorities on matters related to environmental conservation.

Major Contributions of the CEC

Over the years, the Central Empowered Committee has made several impactful contributions towards environmental conservation in India. Some of the significant cases handled by the central empowered committee include:

• Illegal Mining in Goa (2012): The central empowered committee submitted a detailed report exposing rampant illegal mining operations in the state, leading to stricter regulatory actions and policy reforms.
• Iron Ore and Manganese Mining in Odisha (2014): The committee criticised the Odisha government for permitting mining operations without proper environmental clearances or beyond the authorised period.
• Kudremukh Wildlife Foundation Case (Karnataka): Investigated allegations of illegal diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes, emphasising the need for stringent enforcement of environmental regulations.
• Railway Track Expansion Project (2023): The central empowered committee rejected the proposal to double railway tracks from Castle Rock in Karnataka to Kulem in Goa, citing environmental concerns. The Supreme Court upheld this decision in May 2023.

Challenges Faced by the CEC

Despite its contributions, the central empowered committee faces several challenges in fulfilling its mandate effectively:

• Lack of enforcement power: While the committee provides recommendations, it lacks direct enforcement authority, relying on government agencies to implement its suggestions.
• Bureaucratic hurdles: Delays in decision-making and implementation due to inter-departmental coordination challenges.
• Political influences: Environmental decisions often face resistance from powerful interest groups and political entities.
• Resource constraints: Limited financial and human resources to conduct extensive investigations and follow-ups.

Conclusion

The Central Empowered Committee has been a pivotal institution in India’s environmental conservation efforts. From its inception in response to judicial interventions to its recent transformation into a statutory body, the central empowered committee has consistently contributed to addressing critical environmental challenges. While challenges remain, the restructured committee, with its experienced leadership and expert members, holds the potential to drive significant environmental reforms and ensure sustainable development practices across the country.

As India continues to face increasing environmental pressures due to rapid industrialisation and urbanisation, the role of institutions like the central empowered committee will be crucial in striking a balance between development and conservation. The recent changes in its structure and mandate signify a step towards a more robust and accountable environmental governance framework in the country.