Introduction
In recent years, India has emerged as a proactive actor in global environmental governance, driven by a commitment to sustainable development and ecological conservation. From legislative amendments to international commitments, the country under the able leadership of PM Modi has embarked on a multifaceted journey towards safeguarding its natural resources while addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, air pollution, and sustainable development.
The Forest Act
The Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980 was enacted on October 25, 1980, to regulate the utilization of forest land for various non-forest purposes. Initially, it governed only notified forest lands, but its scope expanded following the Supreme Court's landmark ruling in the Godavarman case (1996). The Court's decision extended the Act's jurisdiction beyond notified forest lands to include areas resembling forests as per the dictionary meaning. Consequently, state governments had to establish expert committees to identify such lands, plantations, and private forests. This led to varying interpretations of the Act's provisions, particularly regarding recorded forest lands, private forest lands, and plantations.
The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill 2023
On August 2, the Lok Sabha passed the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill 2023 seeking to introduce significant changes to the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, a pivotal statute for forest conservation in India.
Key Provisions of the Bill:
Scope of the Act: The Bill introduces a Preamble to broaden the Act's scope. Additionally, the Act's name was changed to Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980 to reflect its potential provisions.
Applicability on Various Lands: Originally applicable to notified forest land, the Act was later extended to revenue forest land and lands recorded as forest in government records. The amendments aim to streamline the Act's application to recorded forest lands, private forest lands, plantations, etc.
Exemptions: The Bill proposes exemptions to encourage afforestation and plantation outside forests, including provisions for habitation and establishments along roads and railways, security-related infrastructure, and public utility projects in Left Wing Extremism Affected Districts. It also exempts strategic projects related to national security within 100 km of International Borders, Line of Actual Control (LAC), Line of Control (LoC), etc.
Provisions for Development: The Bill extends existing provisions of the Principal Act regarding the assignment of forest land on lease to private entities to Government companies as well. This aims to facilitate development projects and ensure uniformity in Act implementation.
New Forestry Activities: The amendments include new activities such as infrastructure for frontline forest staff, ecotourism, zoos, and safaris in forestry activities for conservation. Surveys and investigations in forest areas will not be considered non-forestry activities.
Climate Change Mitigation and Conservation: The Bill aims to ensure that such areas contribute to India's climate change efforts and international commitments like Net Zero Emission by 2070.
Empowering Local Communities: The Bill encourages the establishment of zoos, safaris, and ecotourism owned by the government outside Protected Areas. These activities raise awareness about forest conservation, wildlife protection, and create livelihood opportunities for local communities, integrating them with overall development.
Empowering Local Communities: The bill supports gov-owned zoos, safaris, and ecotourism ventures outside Protected Areas. These initiatives raise awareness about conservation and create local livelihoods, fostering overall development.
The Green Credit Programme
The Green Credit Programme (GCP) was launched by PM Modi during COP 28 as part of the Lifestyle for Environment (LIFE) movement. The Green Credit Rules, 2023, enacted under the Environment Protection Act 1986, aim to incentivize voluntary environmental actions through the issuance of green credits. Initially, the focus is on voluntary tree plantation on degraded and wastelands, as well as watershed areas managed by Forest departments.
Notably, the Green Credit Programme operates independently from the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme 2023. The governance structure of GCP comprises a steering committee composed of members from relevant ministries/departments, experts, and institutions. The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) serves as the GCP administrator, overseeing its implementation and management. A digital platform, including a dedicated website and Green Credit registry, streamlines operations. Methodologies and guidelines, such as registration, accounting, and monitoring, ensure transparency and accountability within the GCP framework.
Swift Changes
On October 20, 2022, the PM launched Mission LiFE, aiming to place individual behaviors at the forefront of global climate action. This initiative gained recognition from various international platforms, including the IPCC Climate Change 2022 report, the Sharm el-Sheikh Implementation Plan 2022, the G7 Communique in Sapporo, Japan, 2023, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Communique, 2023, the G20 Leaders’ Declaration, 2023, and the 9th G20 Parliamentary Speakers Summit (P20) and Parliamentary Forum, 2023.
India also introduced the India Cooling Action Plan, the first comprehensive plan of its kind globally, focusing on reducing cooling demand, transitioning refrigerants, enhancing energy efficiency, and advancing technology options over a 20-year period. During the implementation of the Hydro Chlorofluorocarbons Phase Out Management Plan (HPMP) Stage-II, India achieved significant milestones, including the complete phase-out of Hydro chlorofluorocarbon (HCFC)-141b in rigid foam manufacturing, becoming the first developing country to reach this achievement. India surpassed its target of a 35% reduction from the baseline as of January 1, 2020, achieving a remarkable 44% reduction, underscoring its commitment to protecting the stratospheric ozone layer.
Under India's presidency, G20 initiatives have catalyzed collaborative efforts towards environmental sustainability. The establishment of the Global Alliance on land restoration and the Resource Efficiency Circular Economy Industry Coalition alongside the Global Solar Alliance reflects India's commitment to fostering global partnerships for environmental conservation and sustainable development.
Enhancing Environmental Governance
The integration of PARIVESH with the Gatishakti Portal and National Single Window System (NSWS) marks a significant advancement in environmental governance. These digital platforms streamline the approval process for environmental clearances, promote transparency, and facilitate informed decision-making. Additionally, initiatives such as the Air Quality Improvement Programme and Mission Circular Economy underscore the government's holistic approach to addressing environmental challenges across sectors while also promoting new age technologies in a Digital India.
Achievements
Some of the other notable achievements are:
Ramsar Sites and Amrit Dharohar Yojana: Since 2014, India has designated 49 new wetlands as Ramsar sites, totaling 75, making it the second-largest network in Asia. The Amrit Dharohar Yojana, launched on Environment Day 2023, aims to conserve Ramsar sites through community participation.
Forest Conservation and Increase in Protected Areas: The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023, aims to promote plantation in non-forest lands and streamline the approval process. India has increased its Protected Areas from 745 to 998 since 2014, now covering 5.28% of the country's total geographic area.
Forest and Tree Cover: India's forest and tree cover reached 80.9 million hectares, accounting for 24.62% of the country's geographical area. There has been a notable increase in both forest and tree cover since 2019, with 589.70 crore seedlings planted by October 2023.
Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI): Launched on World Environment Day 2023, MISHTI aims to restore mangrove forests along India's coastline through reforestation and afforestation measures. A proposal has been submitted for funds allocation, with a project outlay of Rs. 100 crores for FY 2023-24.
Blue Flag Beaches: India has made significant strides in beach development, with 8 beaches awarded Blue Flag certification in 2020 and a total of 12 beaches certified by 2022, compared to none in 2014.
Wildlife Conservation and Biodiversity Protection
India's initiatives in wildlife conservation, including the transcontinental relocation of cheetahs and the digitization of flora and fauna records, highlight the nation's commitment to preserving its rich biodiversity. The establishment of the International Big Cat Alliance demonstrates India's leadership in global conservation efforts and its dedication to protecting endangered species and habitats.
As we head into the future, protecting our planet is of the utmost importance and India leads the way for the rest of the world in the fight against Climate Change.
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