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ENVIS - Functions

Functions

Each ENVIS Centre will update and maintain an information database that includes descriptive information and numerical data for suitable dissemination. Descriptive information will be maintained in the form of bibliographies, libraries, copies/ reprints/ abstracts of reports, articles, and research notes, and links to other databases/ networks, while numerical data on the subject/ theme assigned to the Centre will be collected, collated, compiled, processed and analyzed, and information products will be developed for online dissemination or in the form of publications and reports. All information thus compiled will be made available on the Centre’s website, which can also be accessed through the ENVIS Portal. The main functions of ENVIS Centres, in detail, are as follows:

- To maintain and update a databank on all aspects of assigned subject area/ status of environment and related issues, and to host and maintain a website for its dissemination.
- To develop an inventory of authentic and reliable information, and collect books, reports and journals for collation, retrieval, processing and analysis, and dissemination of information and database creation.
- To produce value-added information products including directories of information at State/regional/ National level (e.g. NGO databases, expertise rosters in various sectors, biodiversity registers); CD or website-based map atlases, e.g. using forest maps as base, information products could be developed on parks and sanctuary, desertification maps, species distribution maps or map atlases, and so on).
- To build linkages with information sources in the country and abroad for relevant and comprehensive information contents.
- To identify data gaps and knowledge gaps in the specified subject area and take action to fill these gaps.
- To collect primary data, as mandated.
- To respond to queries and information sought by stakeholders in the form of copies of published reports, documents, abstracts and research papers.
- To bring out newsletters and other publications in assigned subject.
- To help the ENVIS Focal Point in gradually developing the inventory of all information materials available at the Centres and in analysis of information in subject area of the Centre.

Responsibilities/ Deliverables

- To build up an inventory of authentic and reliable updated information in assigned subject, in descriptive and numeric modes as well as anticipatory information.
- To develop databases on parameters relevant to the subject area/ theme, and process and analyse them; State/ UT ENVIS Centres would collect, collate, compile, process, analyse and disseminate State/ UT-specific data.
- To identify data gaps and take action to fill these gaps.
- To disseminate the relevant information to each user comprehensively and as quickly as possible through various mediums and instruments.
- To coordinate with the Ministry for supplying relevant, adequate and timely information to different users.
- To develop a user-friendly, open, dynamic website that serves as a web-enabled system for online dissemination of information to users and provides an interactive exchange of information with other websites/ networks/ databases.
- To formulate its Strategic Plan that would, inter alia, serve to generate sources of funds from the corporate sector and/ or through subscriptions of its Newsletter/ other publications.
- To undertake all activities set out in each Centre’s Annual Plan.

Indian State-level Basic Environmental Information Database (ISBEID)

ISBEID is being developed with the objective to help State Government/ UT Centres to collect, compile and disseminate environmental information on a centralised server, covering gaps with respect to various environment-related parameters like pollution, biodiversity, waste management, etc. The State/UT ENVIS Centres is tasked with collecting data from line Departments of the States/UTs, and other sources as relevant, and updating the same into the modules of ISBEID through its web application. The various modules of ISBEID correspond to various environment-related parameters. The ISBEID application is primarily intended to provide (a) internet-based GIS application, (b) one-stop information source to users, (c) interactive maps capable of handling operations like zoom in/out, pan, print, measure etc., and (d) querying ISBEID interactively. As of now, only statistical information/data are made available by the State ENVIS Centres.

Monitoring Mechanisms

- Periodic review of the functioning of the Scheme, including consideration of recommendations of the Independent Expert Committees, for mid-course corrections to the Scheme and for general improvement of ENVIS Network by SAC.
- Third-Party Evaluation of the Scheme as a whole and Performance of ENVIS Centres on an annual basis through National and Regional Evaluation Workshops by separate Independent Expert Committees for State/ UT and Thematic Centres. Not more than four Regional Evaluation Workshops (North, South, North-East and West regions) may be held in any year. Regional and National Workshops may be organized in alternate years.
- Performance Review of ENVIS Centres annually based on each Centre’s evaluation at a National/ Regional Workshop by Independent Expert Committee concerned coupled with physical visit by senior Officers of the Ministry for onsite assessment of facilities and operations at least once every two years, as per applicable Evaluation Matrix, for determining each Centre’s eligibility to receive the recurring grant-in-aid for forthcoming financial year.
- Online Monitoring and Evaluation System on day-to-day basis based on the prototype developed for the purpose for all ENVIS Centres, gradually extending the coverage from the 36 Centres whose Websites have been restructured and upgraded to all Centres as their websites are similarly restructured and upgraded.