Current Affairs

Model Answer

India’s forest cover has seen a reported increase of 16,630 sq km over the past decade, a statistic that masks significant ecological losses in critical areas such as the Northeast and coastal mangroves. While greening initiatives aim to enhance green cover, they often prioritize quantity over the quality of forest ecosystems, leading to a troubling dichotomy between conservation and mere greening.

Key Issues in Forest Conservation

1. Deforestation due to Development Projects:
   Large-scale infrastructure projects have led to the diversion of over 3 lakh hectares of forest land in the last 15 years. This deforestation fragments ecosystems and threatens biodiversity.
2. Quality Degradation:
   Although the net forest area may have increased, the quality of dense forests is declining. For instance, the Western Ghats have lost 58.22 sq km of forest cover, indicating that quantitative measures alone do not reflect ecological health.
3. Mangrove Degradation:
   Mangroves, essential for coastal protection, face threats from aquaculture and industrial expansion. Between 2000 and 2016, approximately 2,193.92 sq km of mangroves were lost, heightening the risk of climate-induced disasters.
4. Inadequate Implementation of Forest Rights Act:
   The implementation of the Forest Rights Act, 2006 has been inconsistent, with over 50% of claims unapproved, leading to the eviction of tribal communities from their lands.
5. Weakening of Environmental Regulations:
   Recent policies, such as the Forest (Conservation) Rules, 2022, have prioritized commercial interests over conservation, diluting protections for local communities.
6. Forest Fires and Climate Change:
   The frequency and intensity of forest fires have surged, exacerbated by climate change and human activities. The State of Forest Report 2023 indicates alarming increases in fire incidents, particularly in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.
7. Encroachment and Illegal Activities:
   Urbanization and illegal logging continue to degrade forest ecosystems, leading to increased conflicts between forest authorities and local communities.
8. Conflicts Between Conservation and Livelihoods:
   Conservation efforts often displace local communities, creating a conflict between environmental goals and the livelihoods of indigenous populations.

Suggested Measures for Effective Conservation

To tackle these challenges, India must adopt a multi-faceted approach:

• Community Participation: Empower local and tribal communities in decision-making and conservation efforts.
• Focus on Restoration: Prioritize the restoration of natural forests over expanding monoculture plantations.
• Use of Technology: Implement advanced technologies for real-time monitoring of forest health and illegal activities.
• Landscape-Based Conservation: Integrate conservation efforts with urban and agricultural planning to create comprehensive strategies.
• Strengthening Mangrove Conservation: Scale up programs that protect and restore mangroves, ensuring local community involvement.
• Promoting Agroforestry: Link agroforestry practices with rural development to provide sustainable livelihoods while conserving biodiversity.
• Utilizing Carbon Markets: Leverage carbon credits to fund forest conservation initiatives, making them economically viable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while India has made strides in expanding forest cover, the focus must shift towards enhancing forest health and biodiversity. A balanced approach that integrates environmental, social, and economic goals is crucial for the long-term sustainability of India’s forest ecosystems.