Why this matters now
The bodies, their nature (statutory/regulatory) and mandates are tested in prelims — candidates frequently confuse CPCB, NGT, NBA and the global bodies.
National institutions
- MoEFCC — the nodal Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change;
- CPCB & SPCBs — Central/State Pollution Control Boards (statutory, set & enforce standards);
- National Green Tribunal (NGT) — specialised environmental court;
- National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) — biodiversity/ABS;
- NTCA, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, Zoological/Botanical Surveys and the National Board for Wildlife.
International bodies
- UNEP — UN Environment Programme (coordination);
- IPCC — Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (scientific assessment);
- IUCN — maintains the Red List of threatened species;
- UNFCCC, CBD, CITES secretariats and the GEF (funding).
Significance
Together these bodies provide the scientific, regulatory and coordination architecture for environmental governance. Challenges include capacity, enforcement, autonomy and coordination across the centre, states and global agreements.
UPSC angle
Know national bodies (MoEFCC, CPCB/SPCB statutory, NGT, NBA, NTCA) and global ones (UNEP, IPCC, IUCN/Red List, GEF). Distinguish statutory boards from the tribunal and the biodiversity authority.
Frequently asked questions
What is the role of the CPCB?
The Central Pollution Control Board is a statutory body that sets and enforces pollution standards, supported by State Pollution Control Boards.
What is the National Green Tribunal?
A specialised judicial body for the speedy disposal of environmental cases.
What does the IUCN do?
It maintains the Red List of Threatened Species and works on global conservation.
What is the IPCC?
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change — the UN body that scientifically assesses climate change.