Goa Daily

  India's forest policy has evolved through colonial, post-colonial, and modern frameworks. The current challenge lies in reconciling ecological preservation with infrastructure development, particularly in biodiversity-rich and tribal regions. Major reforms since 2014 have included: Digitalisation of forest boundaries using GIS and drones. Implementation of CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund) for reforestation. Policy backing for community forest rights under the FRA 2006. Integration of forest economy into carbon markets and ESG frameworks. Critics argue that while project clearance mechanisms have sped up, environmental impact assessments (EIA) often remain under-enforced. Indian forest policy discourse continues to pivot around the balance of rights, ecology, and economic need.

India’s biodiversity hotspots, from the Western Ghats to the Northeast, are home to rich forest ecosystems, critical to climate regulation, indigenous livelihoods, and ecological balance. However, rapid urbanisation and infrastructure demands often lead to unsustainable interventions in these green belts. The need of the hour is not to pause development, but to integrate policy reforms that align ecology and economy. Key Policy Considerations: ·         Clear Forest Zoning Laws to avoid ambiguity in eco-sensitive regions ·         Digitised Forest Land Records to protect community rights ·         Eco-Tourism Guidelines that preserve while promoting ·         Carbon Credit & Afforestation Incentives for private and public players ·         Technology-Enabled Forest Surveillance through drones and satellite mapping Balancing Act: Governments must strike a balance, supporting smart infr...