GREEN INDIAN MISSION
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The Green India Mission (GIM), launched in 2014, is one of the eight key missions under India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). It primarily aims to address climate change by expanding forest and tree cover, and by restoring degraded forests and ecosystems.
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The mission also focuses on enhancing the livelihoods of communities that depend on forest resources. A major goal of GIM is to bring 5 million hectares under new forest and tree cover and to enhance the quality of forest cover on another 5 million hectares.
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GIM activities are prioritized in states based on factors such as ecological vulnerability, carbon sequestration potential (the ability of vegetation to capture and store carbon through photosynthesis), and the extent of land and forest degradation.
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Under the revised plan, the mission emphasizes restoring vulnerable landscapes using region-specific sustainable practices. This includes targeted ecological restoration in significant mountain regions like the Aravalli hills, the Western Ghats, and the Himalayan range, as well as critical mangrove areas. For instance, GIM efforts will align with the Aravalli Green Wall initiative recently launched by the central government.
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The updated mission document, using projections from the Forest Survey of India (FSI), estimates that India could create a carbon sink of approximately 3.39 billion tonnes by carrying out these restoration activities. Achieving this would involve increasing forest and tree cover across around 24.7 million hectares
As highlighted by the Convention on Combating Desertification, both natural phenomena and human activities contribute to the degradation of land, turning fertile areas into desert-like regions. Rapid population growth has escalated the need for food, water, livestock feed, and various ecosystem services. In response, humans have resorted to deforestation, excessive use of agrochemicals, intensive farming, and overextraction of groundwater. These practices have significantly harmed the land’s health and productivity.
Natural factors, such as rising global temperatures, have led to more frequent and intense droughts, while erratic weather patterns continue to place additional stress on land resources.
Primary Drivers of Land Degradation and Desertification:
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Unsustainable Farming Methods
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Continuous cropping without allowing land to recover
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Shifting cultivation with insufficient fallow periods
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Heavy reliance on chemical fertilizers
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Land Conversion for Human Use
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Deforestation to clear land for agriculture or development
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Unregulated urban expansion
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Loss of Vegetation and Forest Cover
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Overgrazing by livestock
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Excessive harvesting of fuelwood
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Poor forest management practices
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Incidence of forest fires
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Impact of Drought on Land Quality
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Lack of vegetative cover worsens drought impacts and disrupts local water cycles
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Inefficient Water Use
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Ineffective irrigation methods
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Excessive withdrawal of groundwater resources
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Land forms a critical component of ecosystems, and maintaining its health and productivity is essential for preserving ecological stability. In this context, restoring degraded land plays a key role.
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As defined by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), land restoration refers to the ecological process of bringing degraded landscapes back to a state that supports the well-being of humans, wildlife, and plant life.
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Reviving land ecosystems contributes to environmental protection, supports economic growth, reduces the risk of disasters like floods, enhances soil fertility, and boosts food production. In essence, restoring land is fundamental for sustaining the planet, adapting to drought conditions, and ensuring food security for an expanding global population
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The 18th edition of the India State of Forest Report (ISFR-2023) was unveiled by Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav in December at the Forest Research Institute, Dehradun. Published every two years, the ISFR uses satellite imagery to assess the country’s forest cover.
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India has now crossed the 25% green cover benchmark, with 8,27,357 sq km (25.17%) of its total area covered by forests (21.76%) and trees (3.41%). Of this, 4,10,175 sq km is categorized as dense forest.
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Between 2021 and 2023, forest cover expanded by 156.41 sq km, bringing the total forested area to 21.76% of the country's geographical area—an increase of just 0.05% since the last report. The overall forested land now stands at 7,15,342.61 sq km.
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Notably, tree cover saw the most significant growth, rising from 2.91% in 2021 to 3.41% in 2023—an addition of 1,285.4 sq km.
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For the first time, forest cover in the Western Ghats was assessed. It revealed that the eco-sensitive zone designated by the central government has lost 58.22 sq km of forest since 2013. Additionally, mangrove cover saw a decline of 7.43 sq km compared to 2021.
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Chhattisgarh registered the highest increase in forest and tree cover (683.62 sq km), followed by Uttar Pradesh (559.19 sq km), Odisha (558.57 sq km), and Rajasthan (394.46 sq km). In contrast, the largest reductions were observed in Madhya Pradesh (612.41 sq km), Karnataka (459.36 sq km), Ladakh (159.26 sq km), and Nagaland (125.22 sq km).
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In terms of total forest and tree cover, Madhya Pradesh leads with 85,724 sq km, followed by Arunachal Pradesh with 67,083 sq km, and Maharashtra with 65,383 sq km
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For Prelims: Forest Survey of India (FSI), Indian State of Forest Report (ISFR)
For Mains: GS Paper III - Environment and Conservation, Climate Change
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Previous Year Questions
1.What is/are the importance of the ‘ United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification’ ? (UPSC CSE 2016) 1. It aims to promote effective action through innovative national programmes and supportive international partnerships. 2. It has a special/particular focus on South Asia and North Africa regions, and its Secretariat facilitates the allocation of a major portion of financial resources to these regions. 3. It is committed to bottom-up approach, encouraging the participation of local people in combating the desertification. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Answer (c)
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