Agroforestry

COMMERCIAL PLANTATIONS ON FOREST LAND: GREEN COVER OR GREENWASHING?

Recent amendments to the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980 permit private leasing of forest land for commercial plantations without NPV fees to expand forest cover and cut wood imports. Critics warn monoculture plantations may create green deserts, harm open ecosystems, and undermine forest rights protections.

Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam: Impact on Economy, Environment & Forest Rights

The amendment to the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam allows private commercial plantations on forest land, exempt from NPV and CA, to support Make in India and the paper industry. However, it risks weakening forest protection, promoting monocultures, and clashing with Forest Rights Act safeguards.

INDIA'S EXPANDING GREEN FOOT PRINT : GLOBAL RANKINGS, ACHIEVEMENTS, & THE WAY FORWARD

According to the FAO’s Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA) 2025, India ranks 9th globally in total forest area and maintains the 3rd position in net annual forest area gain, reflecting strong progress in afforestation and forest management. The country is also 5th among top global carbon sinks, with forests absorbing about 150 million tonnes of CO₂ annually (2021–2025).

As per the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, India’s forest cover spans 7,15,343 sq km (21.76% of its geographical area). Government initiatives like the Green India Mission, National Afforestation Programme, and Mission LiFE are driving ecological restoration, community participation, and sustainable living.

India’s achievements demonstrate its multidimensional commitment to climate action, biodiversity conservation, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 13 & SDG 15), positioning it as a global leader in green growth and environmental stewardship.