India’s forest and tree cover has reached 8,27,356.95 sq. km, covering 25.15% of the country’s geographical area, as per the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023. This marks an increase of 1,445.81 sq. km compared to the previous ISFR 2021 report. The National Forest Policy (1988) envisions bringing at least one-third of India’s land area under forest or tree cover, with two-thirds coverage in hill regions.
The government has implemented several legal and policy measures to enhance forest conservation, including the Indian Forest Act (1927), Wildlife (Protection) Act (1972), and the Biological Diversity Act (2002). Various schemes, such as the National Mission for a Green India (GIM), Nagar Van Yojana (NVY), and Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA), support ecological restoration through afforestation and conservation projects.
A significant focus has been on mangrove restoration through the Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI), launched on June 5, 2023. The initiative aims to restore 540 sq. km of mangroves across nine coastal states and four union territories. Financial support of ₹17.96 crore has been allocated to Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala, Odisha, West Bengal, and Puducherry for mangrove restoration in FY 2024-25.
The tree plantation campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 5, 2024, further aims to expand India’s green cover, emphasizing community participation in afforestation efforts.
