Published on 02 Feb 2025
Aim: To ensure environmental stability and maintenance of ecological balance including atmospheric equilibrium which are vital for sustenance of all life forms, human, animal and plant. It envisages that 33% of the country's geographical area should be under forest or tree cover.
Objectives
To maintain environmental stability through preservation & if necessary, restoration of the ecological balance that the substantial depletion of the forests has negatively impacted.
To check soil erosion and denudation in the catchment areas of rivers, lakes, and reservoirs to conserve soil and water, lessening floods and droughts, and delaying reservoir siltation.
To conserve the nation's natural heritage by preserving and protecting the remaining natural forests.
To significantly increase the country's forest and tree cover through extensive afforestation and social forestry programmes, particularly in all deforested, degraded, and unproductive regions.
To fulfil the needs of the rural and tribal people for fuelwood, fodder, minor forest produce, and small timber.
Achievements
Conservation of Forest Cover: As per the India State of Forest Report-2021, forest and tree cover in the country to 24.62% compared to last assessment in 2019.
Biodiversity Protection: The policy's emphasis on biodiversity conservation has led to various plant and animal species protection.
Community Participation: The policy recognized the importance of involving local communities in forest management.
Afforestation and Reforestation: The policy's focus on afforestation and reforestation efforts has expanded forested areas.
Research and Development: The policy has encouraged research and development in the field of forestry.
Geography
National forest policy 1988
forest
tree cover
biodiversity conservation
General Studies Paper 1
Salient Features of Indian Geography