The role of the Forest Survey of India (FSI) remains crucial in facets of environmental conservation practices as well as sustainable forest resource management. The FSI was formed in 1981 under the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change and is the nodal organization for the systematic assessment and scientific evaluation of forest resources across the expansive and geographically varied Indian territory. The FSI, located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, seeks to accomplish the goals of compiling current and reliable data on forests, and biological, and socio-economic factors linked to these resources to aid decision-makers and policy formulators. In view of this principle, the FSI is very relevant in protecting the distinguished forests of India, conserving bio-diversity as well as facilitating ecological balance for the present and future generation through its surveys, technological and collaborative approaches.
- FSI, as a national entity, carries out systematic assessments and regular monitoring of India’s forest resources.
- Operating under the Ministry of Environment and Forests, it has its headquarters situated in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
- Established in 1981, FSI stands as a prominent national survey organization in India. ]
- Its origins trace back to the ‘Pre-investment Survey of Forest Resources’ (PISFR), initiated in 1965 with support from UNDP and FAO.
OBJECTIVES
- The State of Forest Report is compiled biennially, providing a comprehensive assessment of the current forest cover in India along with associated changes.Â
- This involves conducting inventories in both forest and non-forest areas, contributing to the development of a comprehensive database on forest tree resources.
- FSI serves as a pivotal agency, playing a crucial role in collecting, compiling, storing, and disseminating spatial databases related to forest resources.Â
- Additionally, the organization conducts training programs in technologies relevant to forest survey, including GIS and remote sensing, aimed at enhancing the skills of forestry personnel.
- A significant aspect of FSI’s functions involves the preparation of thematic maps on a scale of 1:50,000 using aerial photography.Â
- The organization is dedicated to strengthening research and development infrastructure, exploring applied forest survey techniques, and conducting specialized training courses.
- FSI actively engages in forestry-related special studies and consultancies, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field.Â
- The organization also extends support to the forest departments of states and Union Territories in surveying, mapping, and inventory activities.
- One of FSI’s key responsibilities is the creation of Reports on Inventory and Wood Consumption Studies.Â
- These reports furnish crucial data on growing stock, regeneration status, grazing incidence, fire occurrence, and more, specifically tailored for various forest and non-forest areas.Â
- State forest departments frequently rely on these reports for informed decision-making.
FSI- MAJOR ACTIVITIES
Forest Survey of India (FSI) engages in a range of significant activities, as outlined on its official website. These major activities underscore the organization’s commitment to comprehensive forest assessment and management. The key activities include:
- Forest Cover Assessment:
- FSI conducts assessments of forest cover, utilizing satellite data to map and analyze the extent and changes in forested areas across the country.
- Inventory of Forest Areas:
- The organization undertakes the systematic inventory of forested regions, providing detailed information on the composition, structure, and health of these areas.
- Inventory of Trees Outside Forests (Rural & Urban):
- FSI extends its inventory efforts beyond traditional forested areas to include trees outside forests, both in rural and urban settings. This comprehensive approach helps in understanding the distribution and characteristics of trees across diverse landscapes.
- Inventory Data Processing:
- Processing of inventory data is a crucial aspect of FSI’s activities. The organization employs advanced techniques to analyze and interpret the collected data, facilitating informed decision-making.
- Methodology Design:
- FSI is involved in designing methodologies for effective forest assessment. This includes developing frameworks and approaches to ensure accurate and standardized data collection and analysis.
- Training and Extension:
- Recognizing the importance of skill development, FSI conducts training programs and extension activities. These initiatives aim to enhance the capabilities of forestry professionals and stakeholders in utilizing advanced technologies and methodologies.
- Projects and Consultancies:
- FSI engages in various projects and consultancies related to forestry. These initiatives contribute to the application of research findings and the development of solutions for forest management challenges.
- Utilization of Satellite Data:
- FSI harnesses the power of satellite data for mapping and monitoring forest cover. This modern approach enables accurate and timely assessments of changes in forested areas throughout the country.
FAQs – Forest Survey of India (FSI)
1. What is the Forest Survey of India (FSI)
A: Forest Survey of India ( FSI) is one of the Indian organizations that conduct systematic appraisal and continuous monitoring of forest resources in India. FSI was set up in 1981 and is located under the Ministry of Environment and Forests; its main office is in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
2. What are the main goals and objectives of FSI?
A: The main aims of FSI are to produce a biennial State of Forest Report, organize inventory in forest and non-forest areas, create a comprehensive database on forest tree resources, and for so act as a nodal agency for collecting, storing, and disseminating spatial database related to forest resources.
3. What is the State of Forest Report and when is it released?
A: The State of Forest Report is published every two years which gives a scientific analysis of the present status and changes in forest cover of India.
4. In what way does FSI help in the training and development of skills?
A: FSI currently organizes training programs in technologies that are useful for surveying forests with the use of GIS and remote sensing technology. The main purpose of all these programs is to improve the skills of the people working in forestry.
5. What contribution does FSI make when it comes to the preparation of thematic maps?
A: Currently, FSI is involved in the preparation of thematic maps 1:50,000 scale using aerial photography of the useful information on the forest landscape.
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