Conservation vs Greening

India has recorded a net increase in forest cover over the past decade, but concerns persist regarding the degradation of very dense forests, mangrove loss, and policy dilution, raising questions about the quality of conservation efforts. The need for environmental conservation is more pressing than ever, as unchecked deforestation, climate change, and biodiversity loss continue to pose serious threats.

Forests play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, sequestering carbon, and conserving biodiversity. While India has witnessed a net increase of 16,630 sq km in forest cover over the past decade, this growth often masks the alarming degradation of ecologically sensitive areas, including the Northeast, mangroves, and high-altitude forests.

The National Mission for Green India aims to address these challenges by promoting afforestation, reforestation, and sustainable forest management. However, excessive emphasis on commercial plantations instead of natural forest conservation raises concerns about biodiversity loss, declining very dense forests, and policy dilution.

A sustainable approach is required to balance forest expansion with ecological integrity, emphasizing the need of environmental conservation in India’s long-term environmental strategy.

Climate Change Mitigation and Carbon Sequestration

• Forests act as carbon sinks, helping India meet its climate commitments under the Paris Agreement and COP26.
• India’s carbon stock is estimated at 7,285.5 million tonnes, with an annual increase of 40.75 million tonnes.
• India has achieved 2.29 billion tonnes of additional carbon sink, progressing towards its 2.5–3 billion tonnes target by 2030.

Biodiversity Conservation and Ecosystem Services

• India hosts 7-8% of all recorded species, making forests crucial for biodiversity conservation.
• Ecosystems like the Western Ghats (UNESCO site) preserve endemic species and genetic diversity vital for agriculture and climate-resilient crops.
• The need of environmental conservation is evident as forest degradation threatens species survival and ecosystem balance.

Disaster Resilience and Climate Regulation

• Forests protect against floods, landslides, and cyclones by stabilizing soils and acting as natural buffers.
• Mangroves sequester carbon at a rate 10 times greater than tropical forests and reduce cyclone impact.

Water Security and Watershed Management

• Forests regulate rainfall patterns, recharge groundwater, and prevent soil erosion.
• The Western Ghats act as watersheds for rivers like Godavari and Krishna, sustaining agriculture and drinking water supply.

Socioeconomic Benefits for Tribal and Rural Communities

• Over 200 million people depend on forests for livelihoods (e.g., bamboo, honey, medicinal plants).
• Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana supports 10 lakh tribal entrepreneurs through 50,000 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras.

Combating Urban Heat Islands and Pollution

• Urban forests mitigate heat islands, improve air quality, and provide recreational spaces.
• The Aravali range prevents sand movement from the Thar Desert to Delhi-NCR.

Sustainable Economic Growth Through Ecotourism

• Ecotourism supports green jobs while preserving biodiversity.
• A study of 10 tiger reserves (e.g., Bandipur, Similipal) showed annual benefits worth ₹5.96 lakh crore.

Achieving Global Environmental Goals

• India’s forest conservation contributes to SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 12 (Sustainable Consumption).

• India ranks third globally in forest area gain (Global Forest Resources Assessment 2020).

Read this article: India's Forests: A Pillar of Sustainable Development Amidst Rising Challenges

Deforestation Due to Development Projects

• Large-scale deforestation for infrastructure, mining, and industries.
• Linear projects (highways, railways) fragment ecosystems.
• Over 3 lakh hectares of forest land diverted under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
• Forest (Conservation) Rules, 2022 allow clearances before Gram Sabha consent, worsening displacement.

Degradation of Very Dense Forests and Loss of Quality

• Very Dense Forests, crucial for carbon sequestration, are declining.
• Afforestation often replaces them with moderately dense/open forests.
• State of Forest Report 2023: Western Ghats lost 58.22 sq km of dense forests in a decade.

Mangrove Degradation and Coastal Vulnerability

• Mangroves act as buffers against cyclones & sea-level rise but face destruction.
• Major threats: Aquaculture, agriculture, and industrial expansion.
• ISFR 2023: Net 7.43 sq km decline in mangrove cover since 2021.
• 2000-2016: 2,193.92 sq km of mangroves lost to aquaculture & agriculture.

Inadequate Implementation of Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006

• Slow, inconsistent recognition of tribal land rights.
• Evictions due to wildlife conservation projects.
• 50% Forest Rights Act, 2006 claims approved, 38% rejected (2022, Ministry of Tribal Affairs data).
• Forced displacement in Kanha Tiger Reserve, MP highlights the issue.

Weakening of Environmental Regulations

• Recent policies prioritize commercial use of forests over conservation.
• Forest Conservation Amendment Act 2023 weakens protection mechanisms.
• SC’s Godavarman Judgment (1996) urges strict forest definition adherence.

Forest Fires and Climate Change

• Increasing forest fires due to climate change and human activities.
• 54.40% of India’s forests exposed to occasional fires.
• State of Forest Report 2023:
  • Forest fires surged 1,339% in Himachal Pradesh.
  • 2,822% increase in Jammu & Kashmir.

Conversion of Natural Forests to Commercial Plantations

• Afforestation focuses on commercial plantations over natural forests.
• Monoculture plantations (eucalyptus, acacia) degrade soil & reduce biodiversity.

Encroachment and Illegal Activities

• Illegal logging, mining, and agricultural encroachment degrade forests.
• 308 hectares of Delhi Ridge encroached; 183 hectares diverted for non-forestry use.
• Timber smuggling rampant in Northeast India.

Conflicts Between Conservation and Livelihoods

• Displacement of forest-dependent communities for conservation.
• Ecotourism projects often exclude local participation.
• Baiga tribes displaced in Achanakmar Tiger Reserve, Chhattisgarh highlight livelihood conflicts.

Strengthen Forest Governance with Community Participation

• Implement Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 effectively.
• Integrate Gram Sabhas in decision-making under PESA, 1996.

Prioritize Restoration Over Greening

• Afforestation should focus on native species, not commercial plantations.
• The national mission for green India must align its objectives with natural forest conservation.

Use Technology for Conservation

• Expand e-Green Watch Portal, real-time monitoring, and forest fire alerts.

Landscape-Based Conservation

• Protect ecosystems like Western Ghats and Sundarbans through integrated approaches.

Strengthen Mangrove and Coastal Protection

• Scale up Mangrove for the Future (MFF) with Blue Economy initiatives.

Link Conservation with Climate Action

• Align forest conservation with Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Promote Community-Based Ecotourism

• Follow Kaziranga’s community-managed tourism model.

Implement a National Forest Fire Mitigation Strategy

• Develop early warning systems and community-based fire management.

India’s forest conservation must shift from mere quantitative expansion to qualitative enhancement, ensuring biodiversity protection, sustainable livelihoods, and ecological resilience. The need of environmental conservation must be integrated into policy frameworks. Strengthening community participation, restoring degraded ecosystems, and enforcing stringent environmental laws will be critical to balancing development and conservation. A holistic approach, integrating nature conservation, climate action, and participatory governance, will ensure India’s forests thrive for future generations.

What are Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)?

• NDCs are climate action plans submitted by countries under the Paris Agreement, outlining their commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change. They are revised every five years to enhance global climate ambition.

What is the Paris Climate Deal?

• The Paris Agreement (2015) is a legally binding international treaty aiming to limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C, preferably 1.5°C, above pre-industrial levels. It emphasizes NDCs, climate finance, and global cooperation for climate resilience.

What is the State of Forest Report in India?

• The India State of Forest Report (ISFR) is released biennially by the Forest Survey of India (FSI) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). It provides data on forest cover, tree cover, biodiversity, carbon stock, and forest health trends in India.

Give some examples of sustainable forest management practices.

• Agroforestry: Integrating trees with crops to enhance biodiversity and soil conservation.
• Selective Logging: Harvesting only mature trees to maintain ecosystem balance.
• Community-Based Forest Management: Empowering local communities to manage forests sustainably.
• Afforestation & Reforestation: Restoring degraded land through native tree plantations.
• Biosphere Reserves & Protected Areas: Preserving forests while allowing limited sustainable use.