As per the Act, the local bodies constitute the BMC in accordance with Section 41, within their area of jurisdiction for the purpose of promoting conservation, sustainable use and documentation of biological diversity including preservation of habitats, conservation of land races, folk varieties and cultivars, domesticated stocks and breeds of animals, micro-organisms and chronicling of knowledge relating to biological diversity. The BMC consists of a Chairperson, and six persons nominated by local bodies, including 1/3rd women and 18% SC/ST.

The functions of BMCs are as under:

1. Prepare, maintain and validate People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR) in consultation with the local people. The BMC is to maintain a Register giving information about the details of biological resources and traditional knowledge available within the jurisdiction of BMC.
2. Advice on any matter referred to it by the State Biodiversity Board or Authority for granting approval, to maintain data about the local vaids and practitioners using the biological resources