In order to comprehend the environmental challenges India is facing, it’s crucial to differentiate between tree cover and forest cover. Tree cover points to any area of land that is sheltered by trees, irrespective of whether these trees are part of a forest ecosystem or not. In contrast, forest cover refers specifically to an area that is enveloped by a forest ecosystem; defined as an area with tree canopy density greater than 10% and spanning over more than 1 hectare. Therefore, while all forest cover constitutes tree cover, it’s not always true the other way around.
The Goal of the National Mission for a Green India (GIM)
Under the broader framework of the National Action Plan on Climate Change, the Green India Mission (GIM) was conceived. Its core objective lies in protecting, restoring, and enhancing India’s forest cover as a measure to respond to climate change. The mission sets to achieve an ambitious target of increasing the forest/tree cover on forest and non-forest lands to 10 million hectares – aiming to significantly improve the quality of existing forests.
The Current State of Forests in India
As per the recent India State of Forest Report-2021, the overall forest and tree cover of the country has seen an upsurge of roughly 2,261 square kilometres since the last assessment in 2019. The total forest and tree cover sum up to about 80.9 million hectares, which is equivalent to 24.62% of the country’s geographical area. Despite such progress, states like Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh and Kerala have showcased a significant shortfall in tree cover.
Challenges Associated with Forests in India
The daunting task of conserving and augmenting India’s forest cover is riddled with many challenges. First and foremost, the shrinking forest cover poses a significant problem. As per the National Forest Policy of India, at least 33% of the total geographical area should be covered by forests to maintain ecological stability. Currently, however, only 24.62% of the country’s land is cloaked by forests.
Conflicts Over Resource Access
Another pressing matter is the conflict over resource access that often arises between local communities and commercial interests, such as pharmaceutical industries or timber industries. This clash of interests can ignite social tensions and even violence as different groups vie for the resources found in forests.
The Impact of Climate Change on Forests
Climate change has also become a major concern, with its impacts causing substantial disturbances to forests. These disturbances range from insect outbreaks and invasive species due to climate-induced migration, to wildfires and storms – all of which ultimately reduce forest productivity and alter species distribution. By 2030, climate change and rising temperatures are expected to affect 45-64% of India’s forests.
Government Initiatives Aimed at Forest Conservation
In response to these issues, the Indian government has undertaken various initiatives to conserve forests. These include the National Afforestation Programme, the Environment Protection Act of 1986, and the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act of 2006.
Approaches to Enhance Forest Cover in India
For India to meet its forest cover targets, it could consider adopting state-of-the-art technologies for conservation such as remote sensing. This method allows for efficient monitoring of forest cover, tracking forest fires, and identifying areas in need of protection. Additionally, maintaining dedicated forest corridors can ensure safe passage for wild animals and protect their habitats. Lastly, promoting agroforestry can not only augment forest cover but also provide additional income and resources to farmers.
