Afforestation programmes, such as the National Afforestation Programme (NAP), Compensatory Afforestation (CA), and Aerial Seeding for Reforestation, represent proactive measures aimed at mitigating deforestation and promoting ecological restoration on a national scale. These initiatives recognize the critical importance of replenishing forest cover to combat climate change, preserve biodiversity, and sustainably manage natural resources. The National Afforestation Programme (NAP) typically involves government-led efforts to increase forested areas through tree planting, habitat restoration, and community engagement. Compensatory Afforestation (CA) schemes, on the other hand, seek to offset the loss of forest land due to development projects by mandating the plantation of trees elsewhere. Aerial Seeding for Reforestation introduces innovative techniques by dispersing seeds via aircraft over large, inaccessible areas, facilitating rapid reforestation efforts. Together, these programmes underscore the collective commitment towards fostering a greener, more sustainable future, recognizing forests as invaluable assets for both environmental and socio-economic well-being.
NATIONAL AFFORESTATION PROGRAM
- The National Afforestation Programme (NAP) serves as a flagship initiative under the National Afforestation and Eco-development Board (NAEB), offering both physical and capacity-building assistance to the Forest Development Agencies (FDAs) responsible for implementation.
- Originating from the consolidation of four officially financed afforestation initiatives from the Ministry of Environment and Forests during the 9th Plan, the NAP operates as a 100 percent centrally sponsored scheme under the National Afforestation and Eco-Development Board, Ministry of Environment and Forests.
- The primary objective of the National Action Plan (NAP) is to facilitate and accelerate the decentralization of forest conservation, protection, management, and development tasks to village-level Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs), duly recognized as societies.
- Implemented as a centrally funded plan, the NAP follows a financial sharing pattern of 60:40 percent between the Centre and the States, with a specific sharing pattern of 90:10 for Northeastern and hilly states.
- This financial structure is administered through a well-defined three-tier institutional framework comprising the State Forest Development Agency (SFDA) at the state level, the Forest Development Agency (FDA) at the forest division level, and the village-level Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs).
MAJOR COMPONENTS
The National Afforestation Programme encompasses various key components aimed at promoting afforestation and sustainable forest management.
The major components of the scheme include:
- Afforestation under Seven Plantation Models:
- Implementation of afforestation initiatives based on seven distinct plantation models tailored to address diverse ecological and geographical conditions.
- Maintenance of Previous Years’ Plantations and Ancillary Activities:
- Focus on the upkeep and maintenance of plantations from previous years, coupled with ancillary activities such as soil and moisture conservation efforts.
- Fencing and Overheads:
- Installation of fencing and other overhead structures to safeguard and protect the afforested areas, preventing encroachment and damage.
- Micro-Planning:
- Development and implementation of micro-planning strategies to ensure a systematic and efficient approach to afforestation and related activities.
- Awareness-Raising:
- Initiatives to raise awareness among local communities and stakeholders about the importance of afforestation, sustainable forest management, and environmental conservation.
- Entry Point Activities (EPA):
- Implementation of entry point activities aimed at initiating the afforestation process and addressing specific environmental needs in targeted areas.
SIGNIFICANCE
- The National Afforestation Programme (NAP) holds significant importance, along with other afforestation initiatives such as the Green India Mission (GIM), in the restoration of degraded forest areas across the country.
- The collective impact of these schemes is evident in the stabilization and expansion of the forest cover, as highlighted in the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) published by the Forest Survey of India (FSI).
- According to the latest ISFR report in 2021, India’s total forest and tree cover now spans 8,09,537 square kilometers, constituting 24.62 percent of the country’s geographical area.
- This marks an increase from 7,94,245 square kilometers (24.16 percent) reported in ISFR 2015, reflecting a notable growth of 15,292 square kilometers in the nation’s forest and tree cover.
- The positive change outlined in the ISFRs is attributed to various conservation measures and management interventions, including afforestation activities, active participation of local communities in both plantation and traditional forest areas, expansion of trees beyond forest boundaries, tree plantation drives, and more.
- Additionally, the Ministry promotes tree planting as a people’s movement through initiatives like the School Nursery Yojana and the Nagar Van Yojana.
- These endeavors signify a cross-sectoral collaboration involving various departments of the Central and State Governments, Non-Governmental Organizations, civil society, corporate entities, and others. Together, they work towards achieving the targeted objectives of national afforestation programs, fostering a comprehensive and collaborative approach to tree plantation and afforestation efforts.
NATIONAL AFFORESTATION AND ECO-DEVELOPMENT BOARD
- The National Afforestation and Eco-development Board (NAEB) was established by the Ministry of Environment and Forests in August 1992.
- Operating through a participatory planning approach known as Joint Forest Management and microplanning, NAEB has formulated specific schemes to encourage afforestation and implement effective management strategies.
- By employing Joint Forest Management and microplanning, the National Afforestation and Eco-development Board assists states in crafting customized afforestation and management strategies, along with eco-development packages aimed at enhancing biomass production.
- The board is entrusted with the responsibility of promoting afforestation, tree planting, ecological restoration, and eco-development initiatives on a nationwide scale.
- Special attention is given to environmentally vulnerable regions, including the Western Himalayas, Aravallis, and Western Ghats.
- Additionally, the focus extends to degraded forest areas, lands adjacent to such degraded areas, national parks, sanctuaries, and other protected locations.
- This comprehensive approach underscores the board’s commitment to addressing ecological concerns and fostering sustainable practices in diverse landscapes across the country.
COMPENSATORY AFFORESTATION
- Compensatory afforestation is a practice that involves planting trees on non-forest land equivalent to the area of forest land diverted for non-forestry purposes, such as mining or industrial activities.
- In cases where non-forest land is unavailable, the compensation may involve planting trees on twice the area of degraded forest land.
- This approach aims to counterbalance the ecological impact of diverting forest land for activities that do not contribute to forestry, ensuring that there is a net gain in terms of tree cover and biodiversity.
COMPENSATORY AFFORESTATION FUND MANAGEMENT PLANNING AUTHORITY
To address the reduction in forest area and ensure sustainability, the Government of India implemented the CAMPA Act (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority). This legislation aims to alleviate the impact of diverting forest land for non-forestry purposes by expeditiously and transparently managing funds through a well-defined institutional mechanism.
Key Points of the CAMPA Act:
- Applicability: The CAMPA Act is applicable to all states, union territories, and the central government.
- Establishment of Funds: The law establishes a National Compensatory Afforestation Fund in the Public Account of India and a State Compensatory Afforestation Fund in the Public Account of each state.
- Fund Utilization: Funds will be allocated for three purposes: (i) compensatory afforestation, (ii) net present value of forest (NPV), and (iii) other project-specific payments.
- Distribution of Funds: The National Fund receives 10% of the allocated funds, while the remaining 90% is directed to the State Funds.
- Company Obligations: In cases where a company diverts forest land, the Act mandates the provision of alternative land for compensatory afforestation.
- Afforestation Payments: The company is required to make payments to plant new trees on the alternative land provided by the state for afforestation.
COMPENSATORY AFFORESTATION FUND
The CAF Act, introduced by the Centre in 2016 with accompanying rules in 2018, marked a significant shift in the management of compensatory afforestation funds. The Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) previously oversaw these funds until the implementation of the CAF Act.
Key Highlights of the CAF Act:
- Monetary Utilization: Payments from the funds established under the CAF Act are allocated for compensatory afforestation, net present value of forest (NPV), and additional project-specific payments.
- Establishment of Authorities: The National and State Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authorities are instituted to administer the National and State Funds.
- Fund Distribution: According to the regulations, states are entitled to receive 90% of the compensatory afforestation funds, while the Centre retains the remaining 10%.
- Utilization Scope: The funds can be utilized for diverse projects, including clearing catchment areas, supporting natural regeneration, managing forests and wildlife, relocating villages from protected areas, resolving conflicts between people and wildlife, conducting awareness and training programs, providing wood-saving equipment, and other related tasks.
AERIAL SEEDING FOR REFORESTATION
This method involves the deployment of seed balls, which are seeds enveloped in a blend of clay, compost, char, and other components. The dispersal is carried out using low-flying drones, such as planes, helicopters, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Here’s how the technique works:
- Seed Ball Composition: The seeds are encased in a mixture of clay, compost, char, and other materials. This outer coating not only protects the seeds but also provides the necessary weight for controlled dispersal.
- Aerial Dispersal: Low-flying drones are employed to release the seed balls over a targeted area. The controlled descent of these seed pellets is facilitated by the coating, preventing them from being scattered by the wind.
- Precision Landing: The seed balls reach the ground and are strategically placed due to their weight and protective covering. This precision landing ensures that the seeds are concentrated in a predetermined location.
- Germination: Upon receiving sufficient rainfall, the seed balls break down, and the enclosed seeds begin to sprout. The nutrients present in the coating contribute to the initial growth of the germinating seeds.
FAQs: AFFORESTATION PROGRAM – NATIONAL AFFORESTATION PROGRAM
1. What is the National Afforestation Programme (NAP)?
A: The National Afforestation Programme (NAP) is a flagship initiative under the National Afforestation and Eco-development Board (NAEB) aimed at providing physical and capacity-building assistance to the Forest Development Agencies (FDAs) for implementation.
2. How did the NAP originate?
A: The NAP originated from the consolidation of four officially financed afforestation initiatives during the 9th Plan by the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
3. What is the primary objective of the National Action Plan (NAP)?
A: The primary objective is to decentralize forest conservation, protection, management, and development tasks to village-level Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs), recognized as societies.
4. How is the NAP funded?
A: The NAP is a centrally sponsored scheme with a financial sharing pattern of 60:40 between the Centre and the States, and a specific sharing pattern of 90:10 for Northeastern and hilly states.
5. What are the major components of the NAP?
A: Major components include afforestation under seven plantation models, maintenance of previous plantations, fencing, micro-planning, awareness-raising, and entry point activities.
6. What is the significance of the NAP in the context of forest cover?
A: The NAP, along with other initiatives like the Green India Mission, has contributed to the restoration of degraded forest areas, as evident in the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) by the Forest Survey of India.
7. How has the forest and tree cover changed according to the latest ISFR report?
A: As per ISFR 2021, India’s total forest and tree cover is 8,09,537 square kilometers, up from 7,94,245 square kilometers in ISFR 2015, indicating a notable increase of 15,292 square kilometers.
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