MoEFCC Reverses Decision to Merge Autonomous Bodies | 21 Aug 2023

Source: TH

Why in News?

Recently, the 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 Initial Proposal of the MoEFCC?

• Proposal:
  • The initial plan, announced during the Covid-19 lockdown, aimed to bring together the Forest Survey of India (FSI), the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), and the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) under a unified structure.
    • This move was intended to streamline operations and create a single point of authority for these organizations.
• Criticisms:
  • It would undermine the independence and authority of these bodies, which have different mandates and roles in environmental governance.
  • It would create administrative confusion and chaos, as these bodies have different reporting structures and jurisdictions.
  • It would compromise the quality and credibility of their work, as they would be subject to political interference and pressure from the MoEFCC.
  • It would dilute the focus and expertise of these bodies, which have specialised functions and skills in their respective domains.
• Reversal of Decision:
  • The recent notification from the MoEFCC not only scrapped the merger plan but suggests rearranging the current regional offices, and this plan is also facing criticism.
    • For instance, the Bengaluru regional office would have had jurisdiction of three states and a Union Territory with different geography and environment: Karnataka, Kerala, Goa, and Lakshadweep.
    • Concerns were also raised over the recent plan to merge Project Tiger and Project Elephant, potentially affecting the autonomy and importance of these initiatives.