India is making commendable strides in combating land degradation and promoting afforestation, as detailed by the Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Through major initiatives like the Nagar Van Yojana, National Forest Policy, and the National Mission for a Green India, the nation aims to foster sustainable land management and bolster its climate resilience.
Nagar Van Yojana (NVY): An Innovative Urban Forest Scheme
Introduced in 2020, the NVY envisages the creation of 1000 urban forests in cities equipped with Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, Municipalities, and Urban Local Bodies. The scheme focuses on enhancing green spaces, promoting environmental awareness, fostering in-situ conservation, mitigating pollution and extending health benefits. With 385 projects sanctioned nationwide since its inception, NVY underscores India’s commitment to eco-aware urban development.
National Initiatives on Afforestation and Land Restoration
As part of the national approach to augment forest cover, several programs have been implemented. The National Forest Policy 1988 sets a target of having at least one-third of total land area under forest or tree cover. Meanwhile, the National Mission for a Green India (GIM) seeks to increase forest and tree cover, restore degraded ecosystems and enhance biodiversity. Other initiatives like the Forest Fire Protection & Management Scheme (FFPM) and the Compensatory Afforestation Fund further contribute to maintaining forest health and expanding green cover.
State-Specific Afforestation Projects
Several Indian states have launched their distinct afforestation initiatives. Telangana’s Mission Haritha Haram aims to increase the state’s green cover from 25.16% to 33%, and Haryana’s Green Wall project focuses on restoring and protecting the Aravalli range.
Achievements in Afforestation
Between 2011-12 and 2021-22, approximately 18.94 million hectares of land were replenished through afforestation activities. This success stems from combined efforts by state governments, central schemes, and a multi-sectoral approach involving various departments, NGOs, civil society groups, and corporate entities.
Measures to Mitigate Land Degradation
The Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas, a vital resource published by the Space Applications Centre (SAC) of the Indian Space Research Organisation, provides valuable data on land degradation and desertification. The Centre of Excellence at the Indian Council for Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) in Dehradun promotes best practice sharing and capacity building for sustainable land management. India has also pledged to restore 26 million hectares of degraded and deforested land by 2030 as part of the global Bonn Challenge initiative.
Challenges in Land Restoration and Afforestation
Despite the efforts, land degradation and afforestation present numerous challenges. Soil erosion aggravated by climate change and improper agricultural practices, desertification, industrialization, urbanization and land pollution pose significant threats to land health. On the afforestation front, the selection of suitable tree species, ensuring survival and growth of new plantations, balancing competing land uses, maintaining ecosystem balance, and securing community participation can be difficult.
Future Directions in Landscape Management
Going forward, India needs an integrated landscape management approach blending afforestation with other activities and promoting sustainable land management practices. Science-based species selection, the promotion of agroforestry models, bio-engineering solutions, revival of traditional ecological practices, community-led afforestation enterprises, sustainable financing mechanisms, and continuous monitoring, research, and innovation are the keys to successful and climate-resilient afforestation techniques.