The Department of Environment & Forest, under the Union Territory of Lakshadweep Administration, was established in 1999 after bifurcating from the Department of Science & Technology, with further structuring into six divisions for better administration. Operates divisions focused on Environment, Forestry, Wildlife & Flying Squad, Policy & Legal, Research & Development, Planning & Statistics, and Establishment. The Conservator of Forests / Deputy Conservator of Forests is the head of the department, also acting as the Chief Wildlife Warden. Kavaratti serves as the headquarters, overseeing the South Zone and North Zone which covers all islands, Marine Conserves and Sanctuaries.
Vision
To safeguard and manage Lakshadweep’s delicate ecosystems—coral reefs, marine life, coastal habitats – with sustainable practices that ensure ecological and socio-economic resilience.
Mission
- Enforce environmental and wildlife laws rigorously to preserve biodiversity and marine habitats.
- Promote long-term ecological balance through beach cleaning drives, afforestation (e.g. sea shore planting and vanamahotsava drives, Eek Ped Maa ke Nam, etc), coral reef monitoring, implementation of several projects on Turtle, Humpback whale, etc and community engagement programs.
- Support citizen awareness, support to scientific research, restoration and protection efforts for island-wide conservation.
- Execute targeted schemes like the Marine Wildlife Protection activates, anti-poaching camps, GIS cell for Marine Wildlife & Natural Resource Management, Management of Dr. Salim Ali Pitti Bird Sanctuary and medicinal plant conservation initiatives
Activities
Environmental Protection & Law Enforcement
- Implements key environmental and wildlife protection laws such as the Environment Protection Act, Wildlife (Protection) Act, Coastal Regulation Zone Rules, etc.
- Operates a dedicated Policy & Legal Division to handle legal matters and compliance.
Wildlife Conservation & Marine Biodiversity Management
- Conducts protection and monitoring of marine species such as sea turtles and humpback whales by implementing varies projects under Centrally Sponsored Schemes.
- Manages conservation areas like the Dr. Salim Ali Pitti Bird Sanctuary and Marine Wildlife Reserves.
- Runs anti-poaching camps, regular patrols, and maintains a Flying Squad to curb and support to other ranges when illegal wildlife activities happens across islands.
Forestry and Plantation Activities
- Leads Vanamahotsava and Ek-Ped Maa Ke Naam campaigns to promote afforestation, especially on coastal belts and public spaces.
- Distributes fruit-bearing saplings (e.g., mango, guava, papaya, sapota) to households and institutions under the Social Forestry Scheme.
Support to Nutrition Garden Initiatives
- In collaboration with the Agriculture Department, promotes backyard nutrition gardens by supplying edible plant seedlings to residents across all inhabited islands.
- Maintains ecological integrity of sanctuaries and reserves, including projects for medicinal plant cultivation and biodiversity preservation
Research, Development & GIS-based Monitoring
- Operates GIS cells and the Research & Development Division for ecosystem mapping, coral reef studies, climate impact assessments and SIA studies.
- Help public and aspirant for research and development studies in Lakshadweep
Public Awareness & Education Programs
- Organizes community outreach, school competitions, seminars, and beach cleaning drives to build awareness on conservation.
- Celebrates Wildlife Week, Environmental & Ozone day and other eco-awareness events.
- Conducts lagoon and beach clean-ups to protect coral reefs and marine habitats
SERVICE
Fruit bearing plant distribution to local people
The Environment & Forestry Division of the Department of Environment & Forest, Kavaratti, conducts annual tree planting drives under Social Forestry Scheme and Ek-Ped Maa Ke Naam—to distribute seedlings, including edible fruit trees, to local residents and institutions. These efforts aim to restore native vegetation, enhance food security and increase green cover in the fragile coastal landscape. Additionally, in coordination with the Agriculture Department the government promotes nutrition garden schemes that supply fruits bearing seedlings (e.g. mango, sapota, guava, papaya, etc) to households across all islands.