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Introduction to Forest
The word Forest is derived from the Latin phrase ‘Forest’ meaning outdoor, the reference is to a village boundary or fence, and it consists of all uncultivated & uninhabited land. Forests are vast areas predominantly covered with trees, undergrowth, and various plants. They function as important habitats for flora and fauna, offer atmosphere services, and contribute notably to environmental balance. The importance of forests extends beyond ecological elements to encompass social, economic, and cultural components. Forest Definition A forest is an area with a high density of trees. There are several definitions of forest currently in use, FAO defines forest as having a minimum canopy cover of 10%, minimum tree height in situ of 5 meters, a minimum area of 0.5 hectares, and where agriculture is not the dominant land use. UNFCCC defines forests as having a minimum canopy cover of 10-30%, minimum tree height of 2-5m and minimum area of 0.1ha. Forest Definition in India Lack of Uniform Definition Presently, India lacks an acceptable definition of ‘forest’. State Jurisdiction: States keep the authority to formulate their interpretations of forests. Legal Basis: The T.N. Godavarman Thirumulkpad vs. Union of India case of 1996 provides states with the prerogative to outline forests, stipulating adherence to the dictionary that means. Constitutional Framework For Forest In India Inclusion in Concurrent List: Forests are classified under the Concurrent List of the Constitution of India. Transfer of Jurisdiction: The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 transferred the jurisdiction over forests and protection of flora and fauna from the State List to the Concurrent List. Fundamental Duty and Directive Principles: Article 51A (G) emphasises the essential obligation of citizens to shield and preserve the natural environment, consisting of forests. Meanwhile, Article 48 A of the Directive Principles of State Policy mandates Government’s efforts to preserve and improve the environment, consisting of safeguarding forests and the natural world. Legal Statutes to Forest In India National Forest Policy: India’s forest governance operates beneath the National Forest Policy of 1988, prioritising environmental equilibrium and livelihood enhancement. The National Forest Policy 1988 envisages to have a minimum of 33% of the total land area of the country under forest or tree cover. Classification Of Forest In IndiaHere is the table below that describes the classification of forest In India; Classification of Indian Forests Classification of Forests On Administration Basis(State Forest Departments have jurisdiction over forests notified under the Indian Forest (IF) Act, 1927) Reserved Forests These forests are under direct supervision of the government and no public entry is allowed for commercial purposes. Protected Forests are looked after by the government; local people are allowed to collect forest produce and graze cattle without damage. Unprotected Forests No restrictions on tree cutting or cattle grazing; they occupy 18% of the Total Forest Area (TFA) in the country. Classification of Forests As Per the Constitution State Forests Include important forest areas under full government control. Commercial Forests Owned and managed by local bodies such as municipal corporations and village panchayats. Private Forests It Is privately owned and covers slightly more than 1% of the TFA. Classification of Forests Based On Merchantability Merchantable Forests are accessible for commercial purposes. Non Merchantable Located in high mountainous peaks, non-accessible. Classification of Forests Based on Composition Coniferous Forests Found in the eastern Middle Himalayas and northeastern Indian states; they cover 6.50% of the TFA. Broadleaf Forests are found in plateaus, plains, and mountainous areas; they cover about 94% of the TFA. Temperate Forests Tropical and subtropical monsoon forests. Classification of Forests Based on Forest Cover Density(Forest Survey of India Classification) Very Dense Forests Dense canopy coverage( Cover Density > 70%) Moderately Dense Forests Moderately dense canopy coverage ( Cover Density 40%-70%) Open Forests Sparse canopy coverage ( Cover Density 40%-70%) Types of Forest in IndiaIndia, famous for its rich biodiversity and varied landscapes, is home to numerous forest areas. From the dense jungles of the Western Ghats to the Himalayan temperate forests, India boasts an incredible array of ecosystems. Understanding the different forms of forests in India is important for appreciating their ecological significance and the essential role they play in sustaining existence. The State of Forests Report of India, compiled by the Forest Survey of India (FSI) and published by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC), provides valuable insights into India’s Forest cover and biodiversity. The 2021 document, following the 2019 edition, offers a detailed analysis of Forest area types, distribution, trends, and conservation efforts. Classification based on Forest Cover Density: The Forest Survey of India (FSI) classifies forests based on canopy density: Forest Type Cover Density Range Characteristics Very Dense Forests > 70% Dense canopy coverage High biodiversity Limited sunlight penetration Moderately Dense Forests 40% – 70% Moderately dense canopy coverage Moderate biodiversity Some sunlight penetration Open Forests 10% – 40% Sparse canopy coverage Lower biodiversity compared to dense forests Greater sunlight penetration, allowing understory growth Key Findings On Forest in India
In terms of total area, the list of the top 5 states in terms of Largest Forest Areas in India is: Madhya Pradesh Arunachal Pradesh Chhattisgarh Odisha MaharashtraConsidering the forest cover as a percentage of the total geographical area, the top 5 states in the India State of Forest Report are as follows: Mizoram (84.53%) Arunachal Pradesh (79.33%) Meghalaya (76.00%) Manipur (74.34%) Nagaland (73.90%) Regional Performance Telangana leads with a 3.07% growth in forest cover, followed Andhra Pradesh (2.22%) and Odisha (1.04%). Madhya Pradesh continues its popularity because it is the country with the highest Forest area followed by Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Maharashtra.This record serves as a valuable tool for policymakers, conservationists, and stakeholders to formulate effective techniques for keeping India’s worthwhile Forest background. Threats to Forest in India Deforestation Illegal Logging and Encroachment Rampant unlawful logging sports for wooden, fuelwood, and other Forest area merchandise threaten the integrity of India’s forests. Encroachment of Forest lands for agricultural enlargement, urbanisation, and commercial improvement exacerbates deforestation charges. Mining and Infrastructure Development Large-scale mining operations and infrastructure projects, together with roads, highways, and dams, frequently result in substantial Forest area clearance and habitat destruction. Forest Degradation Unsustainable Land Use Practices Unsustainable land use practices, including transferring cultivation, monoculture plantations, and overgrazing, contribute to forest degradation and loss of biodiversity. Fragmentation of forests because of land conversion results in habitat fragmentation, disrupting ecological processes and diminishing wildlife populations. Forest Fires Forest fires, each natural and human-prompted, pose an enormous hazard to Forest ecosystems, particularly at some point in the dry season. These fires now not only damage vegetation but also degrade soil quality and disrupt environmental dynamics. Climate Change Impacts Changing Weather Patterns Climate change-triggered phenomena, including erratic rainfall, extended droughts, and elevated frequency of intense weather activities, adversely affect Forest fitness and resilience. Spread of Invasive Species Changes in temperature and precipitation regimes facilitate the unfolding of invasive species, disrupting native ecosystems and outcompeting indigenous flora and fauna. Conservation Efforts to Forest India Protected Areas National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries India boasts an in-depth community of countrywide parks and flora and fauna sanctuaries geared toward keeping biodiversity and shielding endangered species. Key examples encompass the Jim Corbett National Park, Kaziranga National Park, and Sundarbans National Park. Biosphere Reserves Biosphere reserves, including the Western Ghats, Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, and Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, serve as crucial ecological hotspots, promoting conservation and sustainable improvement. Afforestation and Reforestation National Afforestation Programme (2002): This scheme aims at ecological restoration of degraded forests and to develop the forest resources with peoples’ participation, with focus on improvement in livelihoods of the forest-fringe communities, especially the poor. Green India Mission (2014): The Government of India’s Green India Mission targets to increase forest and tree cover to mitigate climate change, enhance atmosphere services, and improve livelihoods. It aims To increase forest/tree cover to the extent of 5 million hectares and and improve quality of forest/tree cover on another 5 mha of forest/non-forest lands. It also aims to increase forest based livelihood income of about 3 million households. Joint Forest Management Collaborative efforts among Forest area departments and local communities through Joint Forest Management (JFM) results in afforestation, reforestation, and sustainable forest management practices. Community-Based Total Conservation Van Panchayats Van Panchayats, or forest councils, empower nearby communities to participate in Forest control, conservation, and recreation activities, fostering a feel of ownership and stewardship. Tribal and Indigenous Forest Rights Recognition of tribal and indigenous forest rights via regulation consisting of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, guarantees their involvement in forest conservation and management. Policy and Legislation Forest Conservation Act (1980) The Forest Conservation Act regulates diversion of forest lands for non forest areas, making sure sustainable use and conservation of Forest resources. Environment Protection Act 1986 The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 is an umbrella legislation under which various rules and notifications have been framed and issued to take care of the different dimensions of Forest. Wildlife (Protection) Act (WPA),1972 The Wildlife (Protection) Act (WPA),1972 provides protection to listed flora and fauna and establishes a network of ecologically important protected areas. It empowers the central and state governments to declare any area a wildlife sanctuary, national park or closed area. The Act prohibits hunting of animals except with permission of an authorized officer when animal has become dangerous to human life or property or so disabled or diseased as to be beyond recovery. National Forest Policy (1988) The National Forest Policy offers a framework for sustainable forest control, biodiversity conservation, and network participation in Forest area governance. Conclusion There are different types of forests, including tropical rainforests, temperate forests, deciduous forests, etc, each with its own unique ecosystems and biodiversity. Conservation of forests is crucial for preserving biodiversity, mitigating climate change, maintaining water cycles, and providing habitat for numerous species, including humans. Addressing threats to forests in India calls for concerted efforts from activity groups, civil society, and neighbouring communities. By implementing conservation measures and fostering sustainable Forest control practices, India can shield its worthwhile Forest area resources for destiny generations. 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