The Forest Survey of India (FSI) stands as a pivotal institution in the realm of environmental conservation and sustainable forestry management. Established in 1981 under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the FSI serves as the principal agency responsible for the comprehensive assessment and monitoring of forest resources across the vast and diverse landscape of India. With its headquarters in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, the FSI operates with a mission to provide accurate and up-to-date information on forest cover, biodiversity, and associated socio-economic parameters, facilitating informed decision-making and effective policy formulation. Through its rigorous surveys, advanced technologies, and collaborative endeavors, the FSI plays a crucial role in safeguarding India’s precious forests, preserving biodiversity, and promoting ecological balance for present and future generations.
- 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 a national organization tasked with systematic assessments and regular monitoring of India’s forest resources. Established in 1981, FSI operates under the Ministry of Environment and Forests, with its headquarters in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
2. What are the primary objectives of FSI?
A: FSI’s main objectives include preparing the biennial State of Forest Report, conducting inventories in both forest and non-forest areas, developing a comprehensive database on forest tree resources, and serving as a nodal agency for collecting, storing, and disseminating spatial databases related to forest resources.
3. What is the State of Forest Report, and how often is it compiled?
A: The State of Forest Report is compiled biennially, providing a comprehensive assessment of India’s current forest cover and associated changes.
4. How does FSI contribute to training and skill development?
A: FSI conducts training programs in technologies relevant to forest survey, such as GIS and remote sensing. These programs aim to enhance the skills of forestry personnel.
5. What role does FSI play in preparing thematic maps?
A: FSI is actively involved in preparing thematic maps on a scale of 1:50,000 using aerial photography, providing valuable insights into forest landscapes.
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