Dr. M. N. Buch joined the Indian Administrative Service in 1957 and was allotted the Madhya Pradesh cadre.
Sought voluntary retirement from service in October, 1984, eight years prior to the date of superannuation.

Was Vice Chairman, National Commission On Urbanisation, Chairman, Inquiry Committee on the functioning of the Slums Department of Delhi State Government, Delhi Development Authority and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. Chairman, Lutyens Bungalow Zone Committee of the Government of India and of the Committee on the Heritage Zone of Mehrauli. Also served as Chairman of the Empowered Committee for the New Vidhan Sabha building in Madhya Pradesh.

Continuously holding the purely honorary post of Chairman, National Centre for Human Settlements and Environment (NCHSE), Bhopal since 1984.

Written a large number of articles and papers on issues ranging from urban affairs to rural development, afforestation, environment, watershed management, housing, municipal administration, governance, public administration, constitutional law and political and international affairs. 

Book by M.N. Buch