Challenges faced by India’s forest and vegetation cover

Source: The post “Challenges faced by India’s forest and vegetation cover” has been created, based on “What are the major challenges faced by India’s forest and vegetation cover?” published in “Indian Express” on  18th February 2026.

UPSC Syllabus: GS Paper-3- Environment

Context: India’s forests are essential for biodiversity conservation, climate regulation, and livelihood support for millions of people. However, several ecological and developmental pressures are threatening India’s forest and vegetation cover.

Major Challenges Faced by India’s Forests

A. Forest Fires

1. Forest fires have become frequent and intense due to climate change, dry weather, and accumulation of pine needles.
2. More than half of India’s forests are vulnerable to fires, especially in Himalayan and central Indian regions.
3. Forest fires lead to biodiversity loss, soil erosion, and large-scale carbon emissions.

B. Invasive Alien Species

1. Invasive plants such as Lantana and Prosopis have spread widely in Indian forests.
2. These species outcompete native vegetation and reduce biodiversity.
3. They also degrade habitat quality in wildlife reserves.

C. Monoculture Plantations

1. Large-scale plantations of pine, eucalyptus, and teak have replaced natural forests in many regions.
2. Monoculture plantations support less biodiversity and store less carbon than natural forests.
3. They are also more prone to fires and pest attacks.

D. Diversion of Forest Land for Development

1. Large infrastructure projects such as roads, mines, dams, and industrial corridors require forest land diversion.
2. For example, the development project on Great Nicobar Island involves clearing large areas of tropical rainforest.
3. Such projects cause habitat destruction, displacement of tribal communities, and ecological imbalance.

E. Climate Change

1. Rising temperatures, irregular rainfall, and prolonged droughts are weakening forest ecosystems.
2. Climate change increases pest outbreaks, forest fires, and species migration.

F. Governance and Policy Challenges

1. There are delays in updating forest policies and gaps in monitoring and enforcement.
2. Conflicts often arise between development needs and environmental conservation.
3. Compensatory afforestation is sometimes done in ecologically unsuitable areas.

How Forest Governance Addresses These Issues

A. Legal Framework

1. Forest laws regulate the diversion of forest land and promote conservation.
2. Wildlife protection laws help create national parks and sanctuaries.
3. Forest rights laws recognise the role of tribal communities in conservation.

B. Institutional Mechanisms

1. The National Green Tribunal reviews environmental clearances and resolves ecological disputes.
2. The Forest Survey of India monitors forest cover using satellite imagery.

C. Community Participation

1. Joint Forest Management programmes involve local communities in protecting forests.
2. Tribal rights recognition encourages sustainable use of forest resources.

D. Afforestation and Climate Initiatives

1. Government schemes such as Green India Mission promote afforestation.
2. India has committed to creating a large carbon sink by increasing forest cover.

Limitations of Current Governance

1. Compensatory afforestation cannot fully replace natural forests.
2. Enforcement of forest laws remains weak in many areas.
3. Development pressures often override ecological concerns.

Way Forward

1. India should promote mixed plantations with native species instead of monoculture forests.
2. Advanced fire warning systems and satellite monitoring should be strengthened.
3. Local communities should be empowered through better implementation of forest rights.
4. A balance must be maintained between development projects and environmental sustainability.

Conclusion: Protecting forests is essential for India’s climate goals, biodiversity, and sustainable development. Strong governance, community participation, and scientific forest management are needed to address current challenges.

Question: Discuss the evolution of India’s drone ecosystem and evaluate its role in transforming public service delivery. What policy measures have enabled its growth?

Source: Indian express