Mains Practice Questions

Introduction

Forests play a dual role in India by ensuring ecological balance and driving socio-economic progress. As per the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, forests and tree cover constitute 25.17% of India’s geographical area, reflecting their critical importance in sustainable development.

Body

Significance of Forests for India

• Ecological Balance
  • Carbon Sequestration: Forests serve as vital carbon sinks, with India’s forest carbon stock estimated at 7,285.5 million tonnes, helping mitigate climate change and supporting India’s Paris Agreement commitments.
  • Biodiversity Hotspots: With 7% of global flora and 6.5% of global fauna, India’s forests are home to diverse ecosystems.
    • For instance, northeastern states like Arunachal Pradesh host endemic species such as the Namdapha flying squirrel.
  • Water Regulation: Forests sustain watersheds, recharge groundwater, and regulate river flows, essential for agriculture and drinking water security.
  • Mangroves as Coastal Buffers: Mangrove forests, spanning 4,991.68 km², protect coastal regions from cyclones and erosion.
• Socio-Economic Development
  • Livelihood Generation: Over 250 million people, including tribal communities, rely on forests for subsistence.
    • Programs like Van Dhan Vikas Kendra and the Forest Rights Act enhance their income and ensure equitable benefits.
  • Economic Contributions: Forest-based industries such as paper, timber, and NTFPs significantly contribute to rural and national economies.
    • Initiatives like Tendu Patta collection in Madhya Pradesh highlight their potential.
    • Percentage of forest cover highest in Lakshadweep (91.33%) and Mizoram (85.34%) significantly contributing to their economy.
  • Ecosystem Services: Forests provide air purification, soil fertility improvement, and pollination services valued at trillions of rupees annually.
    • The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) initiative has reshaped forest management policies to value these services.
• Cultural and Spiritual Significance: Sacred groves, revered by indigenous communities, protect native biodiversity and foster conservation ethics.
  • Initiatives under the Biological Diversity Act have brought greater recognition to these areas.

Key Challenges:

• Mangrove Decline: ISFR 2023 notes a net decrease of 7.43 km², signaling an urgent need for restoration.
  • Gujarat recorded the largest decrease, while Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra registered marginal gains.
• Deforestation and Forest Degradation: Expanding agricultural land, mining, and infrastructure projects like the Ken-Betwa river linking threaten forest ecosystems.
  • ISFR 2023 reports a decrease in dense forests, highlighting an alarming trend.
• Human-Wildlife Conflicts: Shrinking forest habitats exacerbate human-animal conflicts, causing significant loss of life and property.
  • For example, annual conflicts lead to over 500 human and 100 elephant deaths.
• Climate Change Impacts: Increased forest fires, pest outbreaks, and biodiversity loss due to altered precipitation and rising temperatures.
  • The Uttarakhand forest fires of 2024 underscore the urgency of climate-adaptive forest management.
• Invasive Species: Proliferation of species like Lantana camara and Senna spectabilis disrupts native biodiversity, particularly in the Western Ghats and tiger reserves like Mudumalai.
• Monoculture Plantations: Afforestation drives often prioritize monocultures, undermining biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.

Way Forward

• Integrated Forest Management: Adopt landscape-level conservation strategies integrating wildlife corridors, agriculture, and urban planning. (The Terai Arc Landscape)
• Technological Advancements: Leverage remote sensing, drones, and AI for forest monitoring, fire management, and afforestation tracking.
• Community-Centric Approaches: Strengthen Joint Forest Management (JFM) programs and empower local communities through sustainable forest-based livelihoods. (Mendha Lekha initiative in Maharashtra)
• Restoration of Degraded Forests: Expand ecological restoration programs, emphasizing assisted natural regeneration over monoculture plantations.
  • Focus on wildlife corridor restoration, such as the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong corridor.
• Policy and Legislative Reforms: Address loopholes in the Forest Conservation Act and ensure strict enforcement.
  • Develop comprehensive national policies for wildlife corridors and eco-sensitive zones.

Conclusion

Forests, as ecological assets, hold the key to a resilient and inclusive future. By addressing key challenges with innovative policies, technology, and community involvement, India can strengthen its forest ecosystem and meet its climate and development goals.