Environmental Research is a Central Plan Scheme of the Ministry for promotion of research in Multidisciplinary aspects of environmental protection, conservation and development. The objective of the scheme is to generate information required to develop strategies, technologies and methodologies for better development. It also aims at attempting solution to practical problems of resource management, conservation of natural resources and eco-regeneration of degraded areas. Further the scheme also seeks to strengthen infrastructure facilities and scientific manpower to shoulder the responsibility of environmental management in the country. Research grants are provided in the identified thrust areas to various institutions/universities and non-governmental organisation all over the country after necessary examination, peer review and recommendation of Expert Committees. A Research Advisory Committee (RAC) constituted in the Ministry scrutinises and recommend the research proposal to the concerned Expert Committees for consideration of funding.

These are supported by three programmes of the Ministry

• Environment Research Programme
  
  
• Ecosystem Research Programme
  
  
• Research Programme on Eastern and Western Ghats.

G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development (GBPIHED), Almora established by the Ministry in 1988 as an autonomous research and development institute of the Ministry has emerged as a leading institution for fostering scientific knowledge, formulation of policy guidelines and development of efficient strategies for conservation and management of natural resources of Indian Himalayan Region (IHR).