Environment Information System (ENVIS)
The Environment Information System (ENVIS) is a centrally sponsored programme established by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India, with the objective of collecting, collating, storing, retrieving, and disseminating environmental information for policy planning, decision-making, research, and public awareness.
ENVIS functions as a comprehensive environmental knowledge network, integrating data from diverse thematic and regional centres across the country. It serves as a critical instrument for environmental management and sustainable development through information sharing and capacity building.
Background and Genesis
The ENVIS Programme was launched in 1982 in response to the need for a structured and scientifically managed system for environmental data management in India. During the early 1980s, environmental information was scattered across various departments and lacked coordination, making it difficult for policymakers, researchers, and the public to access reliable data.
Recognising this gap, the Government of India created ENVIS to act as a national network of environmental information nodes, facilitating data collection and dissemination on various environmental themes.
The system was later strengthened under the Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986, and aligned with the objectives of the National Environment Policy (2006) and Digital India Mission.
Objectives of ENVIS
The core objectives of the Environment Information System are:
- To build an environmental information base through data collection and collation from diverse sources.
- To develop databases and information repositories on various environmental themes.
- To promote environmental awareness and education among stakeholders and the general public.
- To provide decision support to policymakers, planners, and researchers.
- To facilitate exchange of environmental information at national and international levels.
- To strengthen environmental governance through data transparency and accessibility.
Organisational Structure
The ENVIS network operates on a hub-and-node structure, consisting of:
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ENVIS Secretariat (National Focal Point):
- Located in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), New Delhi.
- Acts as the coordinating and monitoring body for all ENVIS activities.
- Responsible for policy direction, evaluation, funding, and national-level coordination.
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ENVIS Centres (Nodes):
- Spread across the country in various institutions, universities, and organisations.
- Each centre is assigned a specific thematic area such as air pollution, biodiversity, forestry, waste management, or climate change.
- Collect, analyse, and disseminate information relevant to their assigned theme.
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State/UT ENVIS Hubs:
- Established in each State and Union Territory, these hubs coordinate with local departments to compile state-level environmental data.
- Responsible for implementing the Environmental Information and Capacity Building Scheme (EI&CB) under ENVIS.
Together, these components form a decentralised but interconnected network ensuring uniformity, reliability, and efficiency in environmental information management.
Thematic Areas Covered
Over the years, ENVIS has expanded to include a wide range of environmental themes, broadly classified as follows:
1. Thematic Centres on Environmental Issues
These centres focus on specialised subjects such as:
- Air Pollution
- Water Pollution
- Waste Management
- Environmental Biotechnology
- Desertification
- Renewable Energy
- Himalayan Ecology
- Forest Ecosystems
- Climate Change
- Coastal and Marine Biodiversity
- Environmental Health and Toxicology
2. State/UT Hubs
These hubs maintain state-specific databases on:
- Land use and land cover
- Forest cover and biodiversity
- Air and water quality
- Solid waste management
- Environmental awareness and education programmes
This structure ensures both vertical (national-level) and horizontal (state-level) information integration.
Functions and Activities
The ENVIS network performs a wide range of functions to achieve its objectives:
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Data Collection and Compilation:
- Gathers environmental data from government departments, research institutions, NGOs, and industries.
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Database Development:
- Develops digital databases and information repositories for different thematic areas.
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Dissemination of Information:
- Publishes newsletters, bulletins, reports, and online resources for researchers and the public.
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Awareness and Capacity Building:
- Conducts training programmes, workshops, and exhibitions to promote environmental literacy.
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Environmental Information Services:
- Provides query-based information to citizens, policymakers, and students through websites and help desks.
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Monitoring and Evaluation:
- Tracks progress on environmental indicators to support evidence-based policymaking.
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Integration with GIS and Remote Sensing:
- Uses spatial technology to map and monitor environmental trends.
Digital Transformation and ENVIS Portal
To enhance accessibility and transparency, ENVIS has undergone digital transformation through the ENVIS Portal (www.envis.nic.in).
The portal serves as a single-window platform for environmental information and includes features such as:
- Online databases and thematic resources.
- Digital newsletters and publications.
- Real-time access to environmental indicators.
- Interactive map-based tools for data visualisation.
- Linkages with other national and global environmental information networks.
This initiative aligns with the goals of the Digital India Mission, enabling citizens, researchers, and policymakers to access reliable environmental data from anywhere.
Major Achievements
Since its inception, the ENVIS Programme has achieved significant milestones:
- Established over 70 ENVIS Centres and State Hubs across India.
- Created thematic databases on air quality, biodiversity, forests, and climate change.
- Facilitated integration of GIS-based environmental mapping in state planning.
- Supported Environmental Education and Awareness Campaigns across schools and communities.
- Strengthened collaboration between research institutions, NGOs, and government agencies.
- Enhanced the quality of environmental reporting and assessment in national development planning.
Collaboration and Partnerships
ENVIS works in close collaboration with:
- Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) for pollution data.
- Forest Survey of India (FSI) for forest cover assessment.
- Zoological and Botanical Surveys of India for biodiversity documentation.
- National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) for satellite-based environmental monitoring.
- UNEP, UNEP-WCMC, and other international agencies for data exchange and global cooperation.
These partnerships ensure that ENVIS remains aligned with both national priorities and global environmental goals such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Challenges
Despite its success, the ENVIS system faces certain challenges:
- Data Gaps and Inconsistency: Variation in data collection methods across states and sectors.
- Limited Awareness: Public and institutional awareness about ENVIS resources remains low.
- Technological Upgradation Needs: Continuous investment required for modernising data systems and maintaining digital infrastructure.
- Coordination Issues: Effective collaboration among multiple agencies and stakeholders remains a challenge.
Future Prospects
The future vision for ENVIS involves strengthening its role as India’s national environmental information infrastructure by:
- Expanding real-time environmental data integration through IoT and sensor networks.
- Linking ENVIS data with the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), National Biodiversity Mission, and Climate Change Action Plans.
- Enhancing data analytics and visualisation using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Geospatial Technology.
- Promoting citizen participation through mobile applications and crowdsourced data.
- Aligning ENVIS outputs with India’s commitments under the Paris Agreement and the SDGs