The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change provided a detailed response to a parliamentary question regarding forest conservation schemes and achievements. According to the 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, reflecting an increase of 1,445.81 square kilometers compared to the ISFR 2021 assessment.
The Ministry emphasized the active involvement of forest-dependent communities through various institutional mechanisms including Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) and Eco-Development Committees (EDCs) around Protected Areas. 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.
Technical and financial support is provided to States and Union Territories under multiple schemes including the 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). The National Action Plan on Forest Fires, 2018 provides a comprehensive framework for forest fire management through capacity building, modern technology, and community participation, supported by financial assistance under the Forest Fire Prevention and Management scheme.
Environmental impacts of mining proposals in forest areas are assessed through statutory appraisal processes under the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980, Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. Proposals are examined case-by-case considering ecological features, wildlife impacts, and mitigation measures.
The protected area network has expanded to 1,134 sites including National Parks, Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves, with 58 Tiger Reserves and 33 Elephant Reserves established nationwide. Additionally, 32 tiger corridors and 150 elephant corridors have been identified to maintain ecological connectivity. Diversion of forest land for non-forestry purposes is regulated under the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980, with emphasis on minimizing forest land requirement and reducing fragmentation.