Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE)

Recently, the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change stated that the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) will prepare a district-wise scientific report to identify which hills qualify as part of the Aravalli Range, strictly for the purpose of regulating mining activities.
This move aims to bring clarity and scientific rigour to environmental decision-making related to mining in the Aravalli region.

What is the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE)?

The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) is the apex national body for forestry research and education in India.

• It is an autonomous organisation functioning under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).

• ICFRE plays a central role in policy support, scientific research, and capacity building in the forestry sector.

Mission of ICFRE

The mission of ICFRE is to:

• Generate, advance, and disseminate scientific knowledge in forestry.

• Promote ecological security, sustainable forest management, and livelihood enhancement.

• Support the sustainable use of forest resources through research, education, and extension services.

Headquarters

• The headquarters of ICFRE is located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

Historical Background

• The roots of forestry research in India date back to 1878, with the establishment of the Forest School at Dehradun, marking the beginning of scientific forestry in the country.

• In 1906, the Imperial Forest Research Institute was established by the British Government to strengthen forestry research.

• In 1986, ICFRE was formed as an umbrella organisation to oversee forestry research, education, and extension across India.

• On 1 June 1991, ICFRE was formally declared an autonomous council under the then Ministry of Environment and Forests.

Organisational Structure and Pan-India Presence

ICFRE has a nationwide institutional network covering different biogeographical regions of India.

Regional Research Institutes (9)

Located at:

• Jodhpur

• Dehradun

• Shimla

• Hyderabad

• Coimbatore

• Ranchi

• Bengaluru

• Jorhat

• Jabalpur

Research Centres (5)

Located at:

• Agartala

• Aizawl

• Allahabad (Prayagraj)

• Chhindwara

• Visakhapatnam

Significance of ICFRE’s Role in the Aravalli Issue

• The district-wise scientific assessment by ICFRE will help clearly demarcate ecologically sensitive hill systems.

• It will assist the government in regulating mining activities, preventing environmental degradation in the Aravalli Range, one of India’s oldest mountain systems.

• The move reflects increasing reliance on scientific institutions for evidence-based environmental governance.

Conclusion

The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) plays a crucial role in strengthening India’s forest governance and ecological security. Its involvement in preparing a scientific report on the Aravalli hills underscores the importance of expert-driven decision-making in balancing development needs with environmental protection.