Botanical Survey of India (BSI)

• It is the apex research organization under the MoEF&CC for carrying out taxonomic and fl oristic studies on wild plant resources of the country.
• It was established on 13th February 1890.
• Sir George King, the then Superintendent of the ‘Royal Botanic Garden’ Calcutta was appointed as the First ex-offi cio Honorary Director of the BSI.
• After independence, the department was reorganised in 1954 by the Government of India as a part of the scientific c development of the country. Its functional base was further expanded to include various new areas.
• The prime objectives are to undertake intensive fltouristic surveys and collect accurate and detailed information on the occurrence, distribution, ecology, and economic utility of plants in the country.