Environment Ministry Announces New Leadership for Central Empowered Committee

The Union Environment Ministry has reconstituted the Central Empowered Committee (CEC), the key body that assists the Supreme Court in matters related to forests, wildlife and environmental conservation. Former Director General of Forests Chandra Prakash Goyal has been elevated as the new chairman of the committee.

The ministry also appointed two new expert members, former Additional Director General of Forests Anjan Kumar Mohanty and former Environment Ministry scientist Dr SC Garkoti. Existing member Sunil Limaye, former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden of Maharashtra, will continue on the panel.

According to the ministry notification issued on Wednesday, the appointments will remain effective for three years, until the members attain the age of 66 years, or until further government orders, whichever comes earlier. The post of member secretary, however, continues to remain vacant.

The Central Empowered Committee plays a crucial role in India’s environmental governance framework. Originally constituted in 2002 following directions from the Supreme Court in the landmark T N Godavarman vs Union of States case, the committee was tasked with assisting the apex court in matters concerning forest conservation and environmental protection. In 2023, the Centre granted it permanent statutory status.

The CEC functions as an expert advisory and monitoring body for the Supreme Court. It examines cases involving illegal mining, deforestation, diversion of forest land, wildlife habitat destruction and violations of environmental laws. The committee also monitors the implementation of Supreme Court orders and conducts field inspections in environmentally sensitive areas.

Experts say the committee’s recommendations carry considerable weight because they are submitted directly to the apex court and often influence major decisions related to conservation policies, industrial clearances and forest protection measures across the country.

Environmental observers note that the reconstitution comes at a time when India is witnessing growing debates over balancing infrastructure expansion with ecological conservation. The committee is expected to continue playing a central role in reviewing disputes involving forests, wildlife corridors, mining projects and eco-sensitive zones.