The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on Thursday highlighted the ongoing efforts to protect and expand forest areas in India. The Forest Survey of India (FSI), located in Dehradun, has been conducting biennial assessments of the country’s forest cover since 1987. The findings of these assessments are published in the India State of Forest Report (ISFR).
According to the ISFR 2015, the total forest and tree cover in India was recorded at 7,94,245 square kilometers, which accounted for 24.16% of the country’s geographical area. In the latest report, ISFR 2023, the forest and tree cover has increased to 8,27,357 square kilometers, which now represents 25.17% of India’s geographical area, marking a positive trend in the country’s efforts to conserve its forest resources.
To ensure the protection and conservation of forests, the ministry issues advisories to state governments and Union Territories (UTs) to enforce the relevant laws and provisions. Various measures are also taken by state forest departments, including the surveying and demarcation of forest areas, the installation of boundary pillars, and regular patrolling by field staff to prevent encroachment and illegal activities.
The government is also committed to supporting afforestation and forest conservation through financial and technical assistance to the states and UTs. Programs like the National Mission for a Green India (GIM), Development of Wildlife Habitats (DWH), and Nagar Van Yojana (NVY) provide funding for afforestation efforts. In addition, the states and UTs carry out afforestation under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA), which focuses on ecological restoration and the rehabilitation of degraded forest areas.
Over the past five years, the central government has released substantial funds to support these programs. The National Mission for a Green India (GIM) received Rs. 624.69 crore, the Development of Wildlife Habitats received Rs. 452.04 crore, and the Nagar Van Yojana was allocated Rs. 308.87 crore. Furthermore, an impressive Rs. 38,502.21 crore was disbursed under the Annual Plan of Operations under CAMPA. These funds are directed towards various initiatives such as afforestation both within and outside forest areas, forest landscape restoration, habitat improvement, soil and water conservation measures, and overall protection and management of forests.
