PIB Summary- 28th December, 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Forest and Tree Cover Grows, Fire Incidents Fall

Context

Forests are crucial for combating climate change, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring ecological balance.

India’s State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023 highlights significant progress in forest and tree cover expansion, supported by innovative government schemes and community efforts.

This achievement showcases India’s commitment to balancing environmental conservation with sustainable development.

Introduction

• Forests play a critical role in combating climate change by absorbing carbon, preserving biodiversity, and providing essential ecosystem services like clean air and water.
• India’s positive shift in forest conservation is reflected in the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023.
• The report highlights that Forest and Tree cover now spans 827,357 square kilometers, accounting for 25.17% of India’s land area, including 21.76% forest cover and 3.41% tree cover.

ISFR 2023: A Snapshot of India’s Forests

• The ISFR is a biennial assessment conducted by the Forest Survey of India (FSI) using satellite and field data, with the first report published in 1987.
• The 2023 edition consists of two volumes:
  • Volume-I: National-level assessment, covering forest cover, mangroves, forest fires, carbon stock, and decadal changes.
  • Volume-II: State/UT-level data on forest cover and field inventories.

Growth in Forest Cover

• Forest cover in India increased from 698,712 km² in 2013 to 715,343 km² in 2023.
• Fire incidents decreased significantly, with 203,544 fire hotspots in 2023-24 compared to 223,333 in 2021-22.
• India achieved a carbon sink of 30.43 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent, an additional 2.29 billion tonnes since 2005, nearing its 2030 NDC target.

Government Schemes and Initiatives
The Forest Survey of India (FSI) improved forest monitoring through upgraded mapping systems, a Forest Fire Alert System, and digitization of forest boundaries in 25 States/UTs.

Key schemes include:

• Green India Mission (GIM): Enhanced forest cover through restoration and expansion, with Rs. 944.48 crore released to 17 States and 1 UT.
• Nagar Van Yojana (NVY): Developed green spaces in urban areas, with Rs. 431.77 crore allocated for 546 projects.
• School Nursery Yojana (SNY): Promoted tree planting in schools, with 743 projects sanctioned and Rs. 4.80 crore allocated.
• Mangrove Initiative (MISHTI): Restored mangroves along coasts, with Rs. 17.96 crore allocated to several states.
• Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management (CAMPA): Mitigated forest loss due to non-forest activities.
• Afforestation Targets: Annual targets set under the Twenty-Point Programme with a mix of central and state schemes.
• Awareness Campaigns: Tree planting promoted during events like Van Mahotsav and Wildlife Week.

Legal Framework for Forest and Wildlife Protection

• India’s forest and wildlife conservation is governed by key laws, including:
  • Indian Forest Act, 1927
  • Van Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan Adhiniyam, 1980
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
• State-specific laws and Tree Preservation Acts ensure urban and rural tree protection.

People’s Connection with Nature

• Individual contributions like those of Padma Shri Tulsi Gowda demonstrate the importance of community involvement.
• Known as the “Mother of Trees,” she dedicated over 60 years to planting lakhs of trees, creating lush forests from barren lands.

Conclusion

• India is advancing towards environmental sustainability through impressive growth in forest and tree cover, reduced fire incidents, and agroforestry expansion.
• Innovative government initiatives and community participation highlight India’s commitment to conservation and restoration.
• These collective efforts pave the way for a greener, healthier future for all.