The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change provided a detailed response to a parliamentary question regarding forest conservation schemes and community participation mechanisms. The ministry emphasized participatory forest management through Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) and Eco-Development Committees (EDCs) constituted by State Governments, which engage local communities in activities including illegal felling prevention, forest fire management, afforestation, degraded forest restoration, and sustainable forest resource management.
The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 empowers Gram Sabhas to protect, regenerate, conserve, and manage community forest resources for sustainable use. The ministry provides technical and financial support to States and Union Territories under various schemes including National Mission for a Green India (GIM), Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA), Nagar Van Yojana, and Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI) to increase forest and tree cover and restore degraded forest lands.
The National Action Plan on Forest Fires, 2018 provides a comprehensive framework for forest fire prevention, detection, control and management through capacity building, modern technology, community participation and system strengthening. Financial assistance is provided under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme 'Forest Fire Prevention and Management' for integrated forest fire management.
Mining proposals in forest areas are assessed through statutory appraisal processes under Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980, Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, and other applicable laws. Proposals are examined case-by-case considering site-specific ecological features, wildlife impacts, and proposed mitigation measures.
According to India State of Forest Report 2023, the country's forest and tree cover stands at 827,356.95 square kilometers, representing 25.17% of the total geographical area, showing an increase of 1,445.81 square kilometers compared to ISFR 2021. The protected area network includes 1,134 National Parks, Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves, along with 58 Tiger Reserves and 33 Elephant Reserves. Additionally, 32 tiger corridors and 150 elephant corridors have been identified for maintaining ecological connectivity.
Diversion of forest land for non-forestry purposes is regulated under Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980, with proposals examined case-by-case considering forestry, wildlife and environmental perspectives, emphasizing minimization of forest land requirement and avoidance of forest fragmentation.