Forest definition

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Context

• Centre reveals forest records after 28 years, seven states miss the deadline.

Background:

• Earlier this year, the Supreme Court issued an interim directive to classify India's forests as per the understanding of 'forest' outlined in the T N Godavarman judgment of December 1996.
• This directive was in response to a Public Interest Litigation challenging the constitutionality of the Van Sanrakshan Evam Adhiniyam, 2023, which amended the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
• The Supreme Court's interim judgment on February 2, 2024, revealed that 27 states and Union Territories (UTs) have submitted details about their forest records after 28 years.
• However, the information provided lacks uniformity and does not offer a comprehensive understanding of the status of Indian forests.

Reason for the delay

• The release of the SFR was delayed by several months, with seven states failing to meet the deadline for submitting their forest data.

Why is it a matter of concern?

• The delayed submission of forest data by these states raises concerns about the accuracy and completeness of the report, as well as the effectiveness of forest monitoring and management efforts.
• Concerns arise regarding the lack of information on 'un-classed' or 'deemed forest' areas, potentially leading to their loss of protection under the amended Forest Act.
• Most states failed to provide geographical locations of forest areas, making it challenging to identify and protect 'un-classed' forests.
• The absence of clear demarcation and geo-referencing complicates efforts to safeguard forests, leaving them vulnerable to diversions and encroachments.
• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has been criticized for misleading claims regarding the identification of forests in SEC reports.
• The lack of identification of 'un-classed' forests in these reports raises concerns about the loss of forested areas and the efficacy of forest management practices.

T N Godavarman Thirumalpad v. Union of India (December 12, 1996) ●The T N Godavarman judgment defined 'forest' broadly to include forest-like areas, un-classed forests, and community forest lands. ●States and UTs were instructed to form expert committees to identify forest areas within a month of the 1996 Godavarman order. ●Despite the interim directive, forest records of seven states and certain UTs were not submitted, while others lacked detailed information.

Way Ahead:

• Standardization of Forest Data:
  • Establish a standardized framework for collecting, compiling, and reporting forest data across all states and Union Territories.
  • Ensure uniformity in data submission to facilitate accurate assessment and monitoring of forest cover and related parameters.
• Enhanced Collaboration and Coordination:
  • Foster collaboration and coordination between central and state authorities, as well as with relevant stakeholders, to streamline forest data collection and reporting processes.
  • Establish mechanisms for sharing best practices, lessons learned, and technological advancements in forest monitoring and management.
• Transparency and Accountability:
  • Enhance transparency and accountability in forest governance by making forest data publicly accessible and regularly updated.
  • Establish mechanisms for independent verification and validation of forest data to ensure its accuracy and reliability.
• Policy Review and Implementation:
  • Review existing forest policies and regulations to address gaps and inconsistencies in forest classification, management, and protection.
  • Implement the Supreme Court's directives and legal judgments, such as the T N Godavarman judgment, to ensure comprehensive protection of forested areas, including 'un-classed' forests.
• Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation:
  • Establish a robust system for continuous monitoring and evaluation of forest cover, biodiversity, and conservation efforts.
  • Conduct regular assessments to track progress, identify emerging threats, and adapt management strategies to changing environmental conditions.

India State of Forest Report (SFR) ●It is a biennial report prepared by the Forest Survey of India (FSI), an organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India. ●This report provides crucial insights into the state of India's forests, including changes in forest cover, biodiversity, and conservation efforts. ●The latest SFR highlights changes in forest cover, biodiversity, and conservation efforts across India. ●It provides data on forest areas, types of forests, changes in forest cover, and trends in biodiversity conservation.  In the ISFR, forests are typically defined as follows: ●"A forest is defined as a large area covered chiefly with trees and undergrowth. It includes natural forests, plantations, orchards, woodlands, and other wooded land, including green cover for ecological restoration, environmental conservation, and sustainable management purposes." ●This definition encompasses various types of vegetative cover, including both natural and human-made forests, as well as areas designated for ecological restoration and conservation efforts. It provides a broad framework for assessing and monitoring forest cover across different regions of India.

Conclusion:

• The delayed submission of forest records and the lack of comprehensive information pose significant challenges to forest conservation efforts in India.
• Addressing these issues requires greater transparency, accountability, and collaboration between central and state authorities to ensure the protection and sustainable management of India's forests.

Source: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/forests/centre-reveals-forest-records-after-28-years-seven-states-miss-deadline-95581

PRACTICE QUESTION Q) Consider the following statements regarding the definition of "forest" as per the India State of Forest Report (ISFR): A forest is defined as any green area designated for environmental conservation and ecological restoration purposes. A forest comprises large areas predominantly covered with trees and undergrowth, including natural forests, plantations, and other wooded land. A forest is solely characterized by dense vegetation with minimal human intervention. Which of the above statements is/are correct? A) 1 only B) 2 only C) 2 and 3 only D) 1 and 2 only Answer: B)