Revamping the Green Guardians: A New Era for the Central Empowered Committee

The Central Empowered Committee (CEC) of India has been restructured, with Chandra Prakash Goyal appointed as the new chairman. The CEC, a statutory body advising the Supreme Court on environmental matters, was originally formed in 2002 and became permanent in September 2023. Two new members were also included in the reformation.

The environment ministry of India announced significant changes to the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) on Wednesday by appointing Chandra Prakash Goyal, the former Director General of Forests, as its new chairman.

The revamped committee also sees the introduction of two new members: Anjan Kumar Mohanty, former additional DGF, and Dr. SC Garkoti, a past scientist with the environment ministry. These appointments are effective immediately and will last for three years or until further notice.

Initially established in 2002 on orders from the Supreme Court, the CEC became a statutory body in September 2023. Its main responsibility is offering counsel regarding writ petitions related to environmental and forest issues, and ensuring compliance with court orders.