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In a recent address to the Lok Sabha, Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ashwini Kumar Choubey, highlighted India’s commitment to forest conservation and its progress in compensatory afforestation.
1.02M hectares forest land diverted
As per the information shared by the Minister, a staggering 1.02 million hectares of forest land have been diverted for non-forestry purposes since the implementation of the Forest Conservation Act, 1980 (FCA, 1980). To mitigate the ecological impact of such diversions, compensatory afforestation measures have been implemented on an extensive scale. The report indicates that compensatory afforestation, covering an area of 1.03 million hectares, has been conducted against the diverted forest land.
The Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016, enacted by the Central Government, plays a pivotal role in addressing the loss of forest land and ecosystem services resulting from diversions for non-forestry purposes. The Act outlines objectives that include compensatory afforestation, improving forest quality, restoring degraded forests, enhancing biodiversity, implementing forest fire prevention measures, and improving wildlife habitats.
The revelation comes at a critical juncture when environmental concerns and the need for sustainable development are taking center stage globally. India, too, has set ambitious targets in line with its commitment to combat climate change. At the 26th Session of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 26) in November 2021, India announced its goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2070.
India's long-term low-carbon development strategy, as presented at COP 26, revolves around seven key transitions to low-carbon development pathways. One of these strategic transitions focuses on enhancing forest and vegetation cover, aligning with socioeconomic and ecological considerations. This commitment underscores the crucial role forests play in sequestering carbon and preserving biodiversity.
NFP, 1988 targets one-third land under forest
In tandem with its broader climate goals, India adheres to the National Forest Policy (NFP), 1988, which envisions having a minimum of one-third of the total land area under forest or tree cover. Furthermore, it aims to have two-thirds of the area under such cover in hill and mountainous regions of the country. Various afforestation-related schemes are actively implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and other ministries to achieve these targets.
Compensatory afforestation is a key component of India's afforestation initiatives, and the Ministry actively supports states and union territories in executing these measures. Centrally Sponsored Schemes like the National Mission for a Green India (GIM), Nagar Van Yojana, compensatory afforestation, and afforestation on natural landscapes under Mission Namami Gange contribute to these efforts. Additionally, the Ministry collaborates with states and union territories to implement schemes promoting tree plantation activities under State/UT Plan, MGNREGA, and more.
Noteworthy among recent initiatives is the launch of Mission MISHTI, focusing on afforestation and restoration of mangroves in a substantial 540 sq. km area along the 7,500 km coastal belt of the country. This mission demonstrates a holistic approach to environmental conservation, addressing not only terrestrial but also coastal ecosystems.
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