FOREST COVER IN INDIA

 

Latest Context

In a recent written reply to the Lok Sabha, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change offered insightful information about the many efforts being made to increase the amount of forest cover in India.

Facts about Forest Cover in India

• Since 1987, the India State of Forest Report (ISFR), produced by the Forest Survey of India (FSI), Dehradun, has conducted biannual (every two years) evaluations of the forest cover.
• According to the most recent estimate in ISFR 2021, India has a total forest and tree cover of 8,09,537 square kilometres or 24.62% of its total land area.
• Notably, compared to the ISFR 2019 assessment, this indicates an increase of 2261 square kilometres, demonstrating progress in the preservation of forests.

Government Steps to Boost Forest Cover

• Green India Mission (GIM): GIM, which was established in the fiscal year 2015–2016, focuses on afforestation initiatives. Seventeen States and one union territory have received a total of Rs. 755.28 crores during the past five years to aid in afforestation activities.
• National Afforestation Programme: Used to regenerate damaged forests and surrounding regions.

The Green India Mission has now amalgamated with the National Afforestation Programme.

• Nagar Van Yojana (NVY): By 2024–2025, NVY, which was founded in 2020, plans to build 600 Nagar Vans and 400 Nagar Vatika in urban and peri-urban regions. The effort aims to increase greenery, protect biological variety, and raise urban residents' standards of living.
• Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAMPA): States and UTs use compensatory afforestation to make up for forest area that has been diverted for development projects. The states will get 90% of the CAF funds, with the centre keeping 10%.
• Multi-Departmental Efforts: Afforestation projects are undertaken outside of the main efforts by line ministries, state governments/UT administrations, non-governmental organisations, civil society, and business entities. Participation in the National Bamboo Mission, National Bamboo Scheme, and Sub-Mission on Agroforestry are a few noteworthy initiatives.
• Draft National Forest Policy: The policy's main objective is to incorporate adaptation and mitigation strategies for climate change into current forest management techniques. It places a focus on fostering climate change resilience, particularly among people that depend on forests.

 

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