In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today, Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, outlined various initiatives and legal frameworks established by the government to protect and manage the country’s forest and wildlife resources.
The Government has implemented several key legal frameworks, including the Indian Forest Act 1927, Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam 1980, and the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, among others. These laws empower State Governments and Union Territory (UT) Administrations to take necessary actions to conserve and manage forests and wildlife.
Under the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980, the State Governments and UT Administrations are required to minimize tree felling for developmental projects while ensuring necessary compensatory plantation to address environmental concerns.
To tackle the growing issue of forest fires, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change formulated the National Action Plan on Forest Fire-2018, which outlines measures to prevent forest fires and enhance the resilience of forests against fire hazards. The plan also includes capacity-building initiatives for local communities to prevent and manage forest fires.
Addressing the ongoing challenges of human-animal conflict, the Ministry has issued advisories to all States and UTs, recommending various preventive measures, such as coordinated interdepartmental actions, the establishment of rapid response teams, and the provision of ex-gratia relief for victims in case of human death or injury.
The National Forest Policy of 1988 emphasizes a community-based approach to forest management. The Joint Forest Management concept was launched, leading to the formation of Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) in various States and UTs. These committees involve local communities in the management and conservation of forests. Similarly, Eco Development Committees (EDCs) have been established in Protected Areas to ensure public participation in wildlife protection and conservation.
The Ministry supports State and UT efforts in forest and wildlife protection through various Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSSs), such as Forest Fire Prevention and Management, Green India Mission, Nagar Van Yojana, Project Elephant, and Project Tiger, among others. These schemes are funded through the Compensatory Afforestation Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) funds and other initiatives like the MISHTI Scheme for mangrove conservation.
Additionally, the Indian Forest Management Standard, released as part of the National Working Plan Code – 2023, serves as a framework for sustainable forest management, which includes criteria for monitoring forest health and certification schemes for timber producers.
The Forest Survey of India (FSI), under the Ministry, conducts biennial assessments of the country’s forest cover. According to the latest India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2021, the total forest cover of India stands at 7,13,789 square kilometers, which is 21.71% of the total geographical area of the country. The report shows a steady increase in forest cover, with a growth of 1,540 square kilometers between the ISFR 2019 and ISFR 2021 assessments.
The government has also launched the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign on 5th June 2024, which encourages citizens to plant trees as a gesture of love and respect for mothers, while pledging to protect nature and the environment.
These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to enhancing the protection and management of India’s forests and wildlife resources.
