The State Forest Department designated as Department of Environment & Forests is responsible for administration and management of forests in the state and enforcement of National Forest Policy and Central and State Legislations in forests, wildlife and environmental matters. However, only 5376.54 Sq.km (26% of the total geographical area) of notified forests are directly under its control for management purpose. Substantial forest areas remain outside the purview of this Department and are under the administrative control of the Revenue Department of Mizoram. However, felling of trees from these areas is regulated by the Department of Environment and Forests, Mizoram.

In 1930, the stretch of forests adjacent to Cachar District of Assam was constituted as inner line reserved forest under Assam Forest Department. This stretch was administered by a Deputy Commissioner till 21.1.1972. The forests in other parts of Lushai district were administered by autonomous Mizoram district councils which were constituted in 1952 headed by Additional Deputy Commissioner as DFO with one ACF and other staff. There were 3 beats namely Bilkhawthlir, Vairengte and Notochora.

During 1952 when Mizoram became an Autonomous District Council, the management of all unclassed forests, other than the Innerline Reserved Forests was taken up by the District Council with the creation of a Forest Department. When Mizoram attained the status of a Union Territory, the Forest Department became a full fledged Department headed by Director of the rank of Conservator of Forests. This post was upgraded to the rank of Chief Conservator of Forests on 29.12.1983. Two circles namely Northern Circle and Southern Circle were created on 13.1.1984. Another Circle-Research & Development Circle was created on 5.8.1987. The Department was renamed as Environment & Forests with the creation of the post of Principal Chief Conservator of Forests on 10.12.1987. There were 6 territorial Forest Divisions and 1 Wildlife Division under Northern Circle, 4 territorial Forest Divisions under Southern Circle and 5 Functional Divisions under Research & Development Circle then.