New Delhi, April 25 (IANS): Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar on Friday called for making efforts to minimise the use of animals for carrying out experiments.

Speaking at the launch of the website of the Committee for the Purpose of Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CPCSEA) here, Javadekar said: "There is a protocol for user agencies carrying out experiments on animals. It entails minimum use of animals for experimentation."

"This reflects a growing sensitivity to ensure that animals are not subjected to unnecessary pains or suffering at any stage of the experiments," he added.

He said that the launch of the website marks yet another step in ushering in more transparency in the functioning of the ministry.

Javadekar informed that the ministry has already ensured online submission of applications for environment, forest, zoos and wildlife approvals.

The minister said that at present, the registration of Animal House Facility needs to be renewed every three years by user agencies, which needs to be revisited.

The objectives of the CPCSEA include providing online facilities to the establishments for registration and renewals and maintain a database for easy retrieval and exchange, said an official statement.

The CPCSEA is a statutory Committee set up under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960.