CEPRD (Centre for Environment Protection Research & Development) is a voluntary NGO which came into being on 6 June, 1996 as a result of the voluntary efforts of the enlightened and environment loving citizens of Indore. The rapid deterioration of the environment in Indore and neighbouring Malwa region impelled a few enlightened and conscious citizens including industrialists, social workers, doctors, teachers and judges to get together and work selflessly, without Government aid towards the betterment, preservation, research and development of Indore in particular with wider focus on Malwa Region, Madhya Pradesh, India and the world at large. The organization has worked all these years on the principle of “Act Locally and Think globally”. The CEPRD is thus a body of crusaders for protection and development of environment, using modern research, technology and know how with committed public participation.

To ensure the achievement of its vast objectives, the CEPRD has 8 working groups working at grass root level with experts, specialists and social activists as core members of each faculty. All the senior, technical, scientific and professional experts specialising in subjects pertaining to different faculties are also associated in advisory capacity. The faculties are-

• 1) Environmental Protection.
• 2) Education Development.
• 3) Environment Education.
• 4) Environment Research.
• 5) Energy and Environment.
• 6) Legal Advisory.
• 7) Water Resources.
• 8) Resources Management (Finance)
• 9) City Development

• 1. All India Seminar on ‘Environment Preservation and Pollution Control’ was held in the year 1996 in which famous environment expert and supreme court lawyer Shri M.C. Mehta deliberated key note address.
• 2. Public Hearing on “Water Resources in Malwa Region and its impact on Environment” was held on 28th March, 1999, in joint collaboration with People’s Commission on Environment and Development. Dr. Karan Singh, the then Chairman of PCED and Hon’ble Shri Digvijay Singh, CM of Madhya Pradesh were present at this public hearing.
• 3. A legal debate on ‘Environment Laws and their contribution to Sustainable Development’ was held on 22 September, 2001. The then Chief Justice of India, Justice Shri B.N. Kripal, Justice, Shri Sabarwal, Chief Justice Shri Bhawani Singh of M.P. and a galaxy of other legal experts joined the panel discussion.
• 4. The CEPRD has also actively tried to engage the women force in the task of Environment Protection and Awareness. A workshop on ‘Water Conservation’ was organized in which 1000 women from Indore and nearby areas participated. Justice Shri V.G. Kokje (now Governor H.P.) and Smt. Beenu Sen, Secretary, Water Resources Ministry, Government of India, New Delhi graced this workshop by their presence.
• 5. A Symposium on ‘Environment and Public Cooperation’ was organised on 4th February, 2006 in which Justice Shri K.G. Balkrishnan of the Supreme court of India, Justice Shri A.K. Patnaik of the M.P. High Court, Justice Shri Vijendra Jain of Delhi High Court, Shri Vikram Trivedi, Senior Advocate of Mumbai High Court and Shri Abhay Chajjlani, Senior Editor of Nai Dunia, Indore actively participated in the deliberations.
• 6. On 20th November, 2006, Shri Sundarlal Bahuguna addressed the public in the Jal Auditorium on Chipko Movement and the value of Forests-Trees.
• 7. On 14th April, 2007, a symposium was organised on “Demand, Availability and Supply of Water in Malwa Region” addressed by the Chief Guest Shri Sompal Shastri, Dypt. Chairman, M.P. State Planning Commission.
• 8. CEPRD instituted a State level award “The Paryavaran Mitra Award” in the memory of its Founder Managing Secretary, the Late Shri Sudhir Mishra, IPS. The award is proposed to be given to any individual or organization working at the ground level in the field of Environment Protection. This award for year 2007 was given to Shri Rakesh Trivedi for his long work and commitment to Environment issues. The award was conferred by Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Vice Chairman, Planning Commission of India. The function was presided by Social Activist Shri Jeevraj Singhi of Indore.
• 9. A symposium on “Metropolitan Planning and Indore” was organised on 2nd March, 2008 addressed by Environmentalist and Former IAS Officer Shri M.N. Buch.
• 10. On April 20th, 2008 a symposium was organised on “Indo-American Civilian Nuclear Agreement” which addressed by Senior Journalist Dr. Vedpratap Vedic.
• 11. CEPRD planted 1000 trees on the Bombay-Agra Road near Bhanwarkua. The upkeep of the plants was given to IDA, Indore.
• 12. The CEPRD was the Regional representative of the ‘CLEAN-India Programme’ and worked for 16 schools of Indore, Dewas, Dhar and Shajapur to conduct Air and Water Pollution Tests and awareness to school children.
• 13. The CEPRD published a book called ‘Paryavaran-Bodh’ for the compulsory Environment Course for the graduate studies in M.P. Universities.
• 14. The CEPRD is publishing a monthly magazine since 11 years on the various issues of environment called ‘Paryavaran-Vikas’ in Hindi. The magazine has an all India circulation.
• 15. Activities for promotion of organic farming, along with recycling of waste generated in homes and farms – at both village and municipal corporation level are undertaken regularly.
• 16. CEPRD has taken an active lead in the preparation and presentation of Master plan for the city of Indore.
• 17. Development of an eco friendly project at Pipliyapala Indore is worth mentioning.
• 18. CEPRD has been nominated for “ Indira Paryavaran Puruskar” for year 2007 a National Award for Enviroment work.
• 19. CEPRD was first to raise the voice against the disposal of Union Carbide Hazardous waste at Pithampur (Indore) as a result of protect the Central Government and State Government Co the disposal of UCO waste at Pithampur(Indore).
• 20. CEPRD organized Five Day Lecture Series on Enviroment Protection in Jan 2010. This event will regularly organised every year onwards.
• 21. CEPRD is implementing agency to run a pilot project on Climate Change – Conjunctive Water Management for ACCCRN supported by Rock Feller Foundation.