MoEF&CC

Reaffirming the importance of continued cooperation & shared commitment under India’s #BRICSChairship, meaningful discussions under the Environment Working Group held today. BRICS Member Countries deliberated upon the Joint Ministerial Statement across the 4 identified priorities.

Today's Ramsar Spotlight takes us to Sambhar Lake in Rajasthan. According to local legend, King Prithviraj Chauhan received a blessing from Goddess Shakambhari that turned the land into silver wherever his horse walked. When he sought to reverse the boon, the goddess transformed the silver into salt, giving rise to Sambhar Lake. Even today, the ancient Shakambhari Temple remains an important place of worship, drawing devotees during annual fairs and festivals. #WetlandsofIndia

How sustainable are your daily habits? Test them with the Mission LiFE Quiz. Participate to learn more about sustainable lifestyle practices and encourage the adoption of environmentally responsible habits. Visit: quiz.mygov.in/quiz/mission-l… #MissionLiFE #GreenIndia #SustainableChoices @moefcc

Hon'ble Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, Government of India, Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan visited the AJC Bose Indian Botanic Garden (AJCBIBG), Botanical Survey of India, Howrah, on 14 July 2026. The Hon'ble Minister was warmly received by Dr. S. P. Panda, Scientist-D, Curator & In-charge, AJCBIBG, along with officers and staff of the Botanical Survey of India. During the visit, he paid floral tributes to Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose and planted a sapling of the endangered and endemic Lal Chandan (Pterocarpus santalinus L.f.) under the #EkPedMaaKeNaam campaign, reinforcing the collective commitment towards environmental conservation and sustainable development. The Hon'ble Minister also visited the iconic Great Banyan Tree, where he closely observed its unique ecosystem and was briefed on its conservation, ecological significance, and scientific management. He appreciated the dedicated efforts of the Botanical Survey of India in the ex-situ conservation of threatened plant species, documentation of India's wild flora, and its invaluable contribution to botanical research and biodiversity conservation. #BotanicalSurveyOfIndia #BSI #AJCBoseIndianBotanicGarden #Howrah #GreatBanyanTree #EkPedMaaKeNaam #PlantConservation #Biodiversity #ExSituConservation #LalChandan #PterocarpusSantalinus #MoEFCC

Hon'ble Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, Government of India, Shri @ChouhanShivraj visited the AJC Bose Indian Botanic Garden (AJCBIBG), Botanical Survey of India (BSI), Howrah, on 14 July 2026. The visit underscored the Government's continued commitment to biodiversity conservation, environmental sustainability, and the preservation of India's rich botanical heritage. The Hon'ble Minister was warmly received at the Garden by Dr. S. P. Panda, Scientist-D, Curator & In-charge, AJC Bose Indian Botanic Garden, along with officers and staff of the Botanical Survey of India. The dignitaries welcomed the Hon'ble Minister and briefed him on the historical importance of the Garden, one of India's oldest and most significant botanical institutions, renowned for its extensive living plant collections and long-standing contribution to plant conservation and research. At the outset of his visit, Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan paid floral tributes to the statue of Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose, the eminent Indian scientist whose pioneering contributions to plant science continue to inspire generations of researchers. As part of the nationwide #EkPedMaaKeNaam campaign, the Hon'ble Minister planted a sapling of Lal Chandan (Pterocarpus santalinus L.f.), an endangered and endemic tree species native to India. The symbolic plantation highlighted the importance of conserving threatened plant species while promoting public participation in environmental stewardship and ecological restoration. The Hon'ble Minister subsequently visited the iconic Great Banyan Tree, one of the world's largest and most celebrated banyan trees, where he closely observed its remarkable canopy and the unique ecosystem it supports. Scientists of the Botanical Survey of India provided a detailed briefing on the tree's ecological significance, scientific management, health monitoring, conservation measures, and the long-term efforts undertaken to preserve this living natural heritage. During his interaction with BSI scientists, Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan appreciated the Botanical Survey of India's sustained efforts in the ex-situ conservation of threatened and endemic plant species, scientific documentation of India's wild flora, taxonomic research, and the maintenance of invaluable botanical collections. He acknowledged the institution's significant role in strengthening the country's biodiversity conservation framework and generating scientific knowledge essential for sustainable natural resource management. The Hon'ble Minister also interacted with scientists and officials of the Garden, expressing appreciation for their dedicated efforts in safeguarding India's botanical wealth and encouraging continued scientific excellence in plant exploration, documentation, conservation, and environmental awareness. The AJC Bose Indian Botanic Garden, established in 1787, is one of the premier botanical gardens in Asia and serves as a major centre for plant conservation, botanical research, environmental education, and ex-situ conservation under the Botanical Survey of India, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. The Garden houses thousands of plant species from India and across the world and remains an important repository of the nation's botanical diversity.

Preparing for the monsoon doesn't take much - a clean rooftop, clear drains and a ready rainwater harvesting system can make a big difference. A little preparation today can help store water for tomorrow. #CatchTheRain #MissionLiFE

Jamrasi Botanical Name : Elaeodendron glaucum (Rottb.) Pers. Family: Celastraceae Nature has long been a trusted source of strength and wellness. Jamrasi is traditionally valued for promoting strength and vigour. Small pieces of its wood are soaked overnight in water, and the infused water is consumed as a natural tonic. #BeatTheHeatWithNature #MedicinalPlants #Jamrasi

Every monsoon brings millions of litres of fresh water. Imagine the difference if every rooftop captured just a fraction of it. This rainy season, let's turn our homes into ground water recharge points. #CatchTheRain #MissionLiFE

Had a meeting about the progress made in the development work of Botanical Garden of Indian Republic (BGIR), Noida. Officers of @moefcc, director @bsi_moefcc and representatives of civil contraction unit were also present in the meeting. @byadavbjp

Today's #RamsarSpotlight takes us to Harike Lake in Punjab. Harike, also known as Hari-ke-Pattan, is the birthplace of Guru Angad Dev Ji, the second Sikh Guru. Situated at the confluence of the Beas and Sutlej rivers, Harike is closely connected to Punjab's rich spiritual and cultural heritage. #WetlandsofIndia

Sona-Chal or Bhoot Vriksh Botanical Name : Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz Family: Bignoniaceae India's forests are home to remarkable medicinal plants with enduring traditional value. Sona-Chal or Bhoot Vriksh is traditionally associated with ear care. The seed paste is mixed with a small amount of milk and Tulsi leaf extract, and the resulting preparation is used as part of traditional wellness practices. #BeatTheHeatWithNature #MedicinalPlants #SonaChal

बदलाव हमेशा बड़े कदमों से नहीं, छोटी आदतों से शुरू होता है। LED बल्ब अपनाना ऐसा ही एक आसान बदलाव है, जो ऊर्जा की बचत के साथ पर्यावरण की भी रक्षा करता है। आज का Climate Friendly Action अपनाइए और फर्क महसूस कीजिए। #MissionLiFE #SaveEnergy

@CAQM_Official inspects 17 Urban Road Stretches in Noida & Greater Noida Reiterates need for proper paving of roads & adjoining pathways, while stressing timely completion of redevelopment works @byadavbjp 📝pib.gov.in/PressReleasePa…

Today's Ramsar Spotlight takes us to Loktak Lake in Manipur. Revered as Loktak Ima (Mother Loktak), the lake holds a sacred place in the hearts of the Meitei people. According to legend, the Supreme Goddess Ima Leimarel transformed herself into the lake to become part of creation. Over centuries, Loktak has inspired folklore, rituals and the celebrated love story of Khamba and Thoibi, making it a living symbol of Manipuri culture. #WetlandsofIndia

Kurchi or Kutaj कुटजत्वचं समङ्गां मोचरसं धातकीफलम्। अतिसारे प्रशस्यन्ति ग्राहीणि कषायिणि॥ Botanical Name : Holarrhena pubescens Wall. ex G. Don Family: Apocynaceae A healthy digestive system is key to enjoying the summer season. Recognized in traditional healing practices, Kurchi or Kutaj is valued for supporting digestive wellness. Its bark, leaves, and fruits have traditionally been used to help manage amoebic dysentery and gastric disorders. #BeatTheHeatWithNature #MedicinalPlants #Kurchi

Today's #RamsarSpotlight takes us to Wular Lake in Jammu & Kashmir. The name Wular comes from the Sanskrit word "volla", meaning "turbulent", reflecting the lake's often choppy waters. Local folklore also speaks of Wular Raz, the lake's presiding deity, while the sacred floating island of Zainul Lank continues to draw pilgrims and visitors alike. #WetlandsofIndia

That forgotten phone. That old charger. Those unused earphones. They're not clutter. They're resources waiting for a second chance. Choose authorised #Ewaste recycling and help build a circular future. #CircularEconomy #MissionLiFE #NowForClimate

Kapurni (Hindi) or Anantmul (Sanskrit) अनन्तमूलं सङ्ग्राहिकाणाम्। Botanical Name: Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R. Br. ex Schult. Family: Apocynaceae Summer calls for staying naturally energized. Kapurni has long been valued for promoting strength, vigour, and supporting overall vitality. The roots are ground and boiled to prepare a traditional drink that is consumed as a natural tonic. #BeatTheHeatWithNature #MedicinalPlants #Kapurni

HMEFCC Shri @byadavbjp presented the NSCSTI Accreditation Certificate to Shri V. Thirunavukarasu, IFS, Principal, @casfoscbe. The accreditation marks a significant milestone for the Central Academy for State Forest Service, Coimbatore.