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The Print
7 days ago
- General
- The Print
Once male bastion, Indian Forest Service is now only civil service with all-women national executive
While two office-bearers of the newly elected council who spoke on condition of anonymity told ThePrint that the election of an all-women council was not specifically intended, they agreed that it marks a significant moment in the history of the All India Service (AIS), which has for long been considered a male bastion. In the elections conducted for the national executive council, Jyotsna Sitling, an officer of the 1987 Batch was elected Patron, Anita Karan of the 1997 Batch was elected President, Monalisa Dash of the 2003 Batch was elected Secretary General, Dr Surbhi Rai of the 2005 Batch was elected Joint Secretary, and Chestha Singh of the 2018 Batch was elected Literary Secretary. New Delhi: It was in 1980 that for the first time three women were appointed officers in the Indian Forest Service (IFoS). Last week, 35 years later, even as the proportion of women in the IFoS remains low, the service has created history by appointing an all-women national council. While the IFoS was created in its present form as an AIS alongside the IAS and the IPS in 1966, the first women entered the service in 1980. According to the latest data, as of 2021, of the estimated strength of around 2,100 IFoS officers serving at the time, 284, or 13.5 percent, were women. 'There are very few women in the IFoS,' said an officer who did not wish to be named. 'Most batches don't have more than 10 percent women. In my batch, there are no more than 6-7 women. In my cadre in my batch, I am the only woman,' she said. Adding, 'You don't face in-your-face discrimination anymore, but it is still considered one of those services ill-suited for women. 'A lot of women themselves believe that they should be in urban areas, which are more conducive for raising families than be in the jungles.' The broad mandate of the IFoS entails 'the implementation of the National Forest Policy which envisages scientific management of forests and to exploit them on a sustained basis for primary timber products, among other things'. Constituted in 1966 under the All India Services Act, 1951, the IFoS has a cadre strength of 3,152 officers. 'Even within the forests, the resistance that IFoS officers generally face from people is doubled in the case of women,' another woman officer added. 'You are both an outsider and a woman, so the hostility is higher.' Then there are the issues of the barely-existent infrastructure like toilets, private spaces, etc. for women. It is not just the perils involved in the line of duty that these officers have to navigate, but also dealing with the land mafia, mining mafia, problems arising from Left Wing Extremism (LWE) and above all, political pressures that make their job much harder. 'Some of the problems are gendered, but not all,' said the officer. 'The main issue with being an IFoS officer is that from politicians to people to businesses, everyone thinks of us as a roadblock. Given that we are far away from public glare also means that we are not part of the mainstream imagination at all.' However, these are just teething problems. Within 5-7 years, even IFoS officers come to the secretariats or get urban postings, she said. Once considered a bastion of the IAS, a large number of IFoS officers are posted at the Centre in different ministries on deputation now. As of October 2024, there were four additional secretaries and 16 joint secretaries who belonged to the IFoS. (Edited by Viny Mishra) Also read: MP govt order letting DMs evaluate forest officers puts conservation in jeopardy—IFS Association
Hans India
09-07-2025
- General
- Hans India
Govt targets 47.64 lakh palm & toddy saplings in Vanamahotsavam drive
Hyderabad: The Telangana government has decided to cultivate Palm and Toddy seedlings during the upcoming Vanamahotsavam in the state, with planting targets set at 47.64 lakh over the next two years. For the 2025 planting season, the total plantations will be 24.86 lakh (approximately 25 lakh), followed by 22.78 lakh (approximately 22.86 lakh) in the 2026 season. Nurseries established by the Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Department have raised 45.37 lakh palm seedlings and 5.04 lakh toddy seedlings. As part of the Vanamahotsavam programme, Forest Minister Konda Surekha stated that the government has decided to plant 47.64 lakh palm and toddy saplings across the state. Appropriate orders have been issued to forest officials in this regard, with the target set to be achieved within a two-year period. The Forest Department alone plans to plant 5.04 lakh palm saplings. Overall, the department is proceeding with a target of planting 18.02 crore saplings across the state during this year's Vanamahotsavam. Minister Surekha is leading efforts to increase Telangana's forest area from 24.05 per cent to 33 per cent, in line with the National Forest Policy. The government had set a broader target of 18.02 crore saplings for this year. To ensure this year's Vanamahotsavam is a success, 20 crore saplings were already prepared in 14,355 nurseries across the state.
Time of India
08-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Tree cover outside forest area grew by 241 sq km in Gujarat
Gandhinagar: Quoting figures from the Forest Survey of India (FSI) 2023 report, the state govt said on Monday that the tree cover outside the notified forest area in Gujarat grew by 241.29 sq km. The govt stated that Gujarat was a leader in this aspect across the country. Gujarat's total tree cover, which was 2.80% of the geographical area in 2021, increased to 3.38% in 2023, according to the FSI-2023 report, the govt said. The state's total green cover was 10.41% in 2021, which rose to 11.03% in 2023, an official statement said. Quoting the latest FSI report, the govt stated that the state's total recorded forest area is 21,870 sq km, which is 11.14% of the state's total geographical area. The forest cover is 15,016.64 sq km or 7.65%, and the tree cover is 6,632.29 sq km or 3.38%. Thus, the state's total green cover is 21,648.93 sq km or 11.03%. The statement added that in the year 2024-25, Gujarat stood second in the 'Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam' campaign, planting 17.48 crore trees. You Can Also Check: Ahmedabad AQI | Weather in Ahmedabad | Bank Holidays in Ahmedabad | Public Holidays in Ahmedabad According to the National Forest Policy, 1988, the forest and tree cover, i.e., green cover, should be 33% of the total geographical area of the country. The assessment of forest and tree cover in the country and states is conducted by the Forest Survey of India, Dehradun, under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and reports are published every two years.
Indian Express
04-06-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
How India pushes for ecological restoration
— Renuka India will mark World Environment Day by launching the ambitious Aravalli Green Wall project – a large-scale land restoration project to combat the degradation of the country's longest mountain range. Stretching 700 km across four states, the Aravalli mountain range acts as a natural barrier against the incursion of sand and dust from the Thar desert. But the range has suffered extensive degradation due to deforestation, mining, urbanisation, agriculture practices and development. Notably, the degradation of the Aravallis is not an isolated phenomenon, rather a broader part of extensive ecological damage largely driven by human-induced factors such as deforestation, habitat loss, and climate change. Earth is experiencing biodiversity loss at an alarming rate. Studies have estimated that species are now going extinct at rates 10 to 100 times higher than the natural rate. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), over one-third of the world's tree species are now threatened with extinction. Around 40 per cent of the world's population is already adversely affected by land degradation, while up to $577 billion in annual crop production is at risk due to the loss of pollinators. A recent report by IPBES (Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services) warns that continued biodiversity decline will directly undermine the progress of Sustainable Development Goals related to Poverty, Hunger, Health, Water, etc. The degradation of rivers, forests, wetlands, and coastal zones is not only accelerating ecological collapse but also widening social and economic inequities, particularly in the global south, including India. Amidst this, a shift towards ecological restoration – one that actively revives degraded land and diminishing biodiversity – is the need of the hour to support well-being and climate resilience. This imperative is especially relevant for India, where the combined pressures of rapid development and climate change are accelerating the degradation of forests, wetlands, rivers, and other fragile ecosystems. Currently, about 30 per cent of the land in India is degraded, and 25 per cent is undergoing desertification. Although the National Forest Policy mandates a minimum of 33 per cent forest cover, the country's current forest cover stands at only 24.62 per cent. Considering these problems, India has steadily recognised the significance of environmental conservation and restoration. The Aravalli Green Wall project is a case in point. In addition, it enacted laws such as the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980, and the Biological Diversity Act 2002 to protect its diminishing forest cover and biodiversity. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, aims to prevent and control water pollution and restore the wholesomeness of water. In 1990-1991, the National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas (NWDPRA) was launched, which aimed to restore the ecological balance in degraded rainfed regions by promoting green cover. Other programmes like the National Afforestation Programme (2000) and the National Mission for a Green India (2014) were launched to protect and restore the diminishing forest cover of India. In 2016, the Compensatory Afforestation Act (CAMPA) was enacted to ensure that forestland diverted for non-forest purposes is compensated through afforestation and ecological regeneration. To restore the degraded land and promote sustainable land management practices, the National Action Plan to Combat Desertification, 2022, was launched, which aims to restore 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030 through forestry interventions. Furthermore, flagship programmes like Namami Gange, Yamuna Action Plan, and National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA) were put into effect to protect and revive aquatic and wetland ecosystems. Additionally, the polluter pays principle under Indian Environmental Jurisprudence mandates ecological restoration by the defaulting entity in case of industrial degradation. In this context, the European Union's Nature Restoration Law merits attention, which is a key part of its biodiversity strategy and broader European Green Deal. European Union's Nature Restoration Law The European Union's Nature Restoration Law, which entered into force on June 17, 2024, aims to reverse biodiversity loss and build resilient ecosystems. It seeks to contribute to the broader goals related to climate change mitigation and adaptation, land degradation neutrality and enhancing food security. To achieve these objectives, the regulation sets out qualitative and quantitative targets to restore terrestrial, coastal, marine, and freshwater ecosystems. It covers forests, wetlands, grasslands, rivers, and lakes for improving and restoring biodiverse habitats. The regulation also aims to reverse biodiversity loss by halting the decline of pollinators like bees and butterflies by 2030. It seeks to enhance biodiversity in agricultural ecosystems through measures such as boosting grassland butterfly populations and increasing high-diversity landscape features. To increase the green cover, member states are expected to plant at least three billion additional trees by 2030 and to ensure no net loss of green urban space by 2030. On the implementation front, the regulation requires the Member States to submit National Restoration Plans by September 1, 2026. It will cover the period up to 2050, with intermediate deadlines, and will be monitored by the European Commission, which will report progress to the European Parliament. In addition to this regional initiative, considerable efforts at the global level are also being invested towards the cause. Over the past few decades, various international initiatives have been taken to address environmental degradation, particularly biodiversity loss. One of the earliest global efforts was the establishment of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 1948, which has played a pivotal role in the conservation and restoration of nature. Since 1964, the IUCN has been maintaining the Red List of Threatened Species as a key tool for monitoring ecosystem health and identifying restoration priorities. Global emphasis on restoration inclination is also evident in key international agreements like the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Principle 5 of the Earth Charter, 2000, also underscores the need to protect and restore the integrity of Earth's ecosystems, emphasising biodiversity. It may be noted here that the idea of restoration gained prominence with the Aichi Biodiversity Target, which had called for restoring at least 15% of degraded ecosystems by 2020. The ambition was further expanded in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted in 2022 at COP15, which set a new global target to restore 30% of degraded ecosystems by 2030. In support of these efforts, the United Nations declared 2021-2030 as the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, aiming to drive global, coordinated action to restore ecosystems. While these initiatives have significantly advanced the cause of nature restoration, the absence of a cohesive, enforceable global framework along with the lack of binding targets remains a significant issue. In the face of accelerating environmental degradation, nature restoration needs to become the new norm, going beyond protection alone. While conservation efforts have historically focused on preserving what remains, today's ecological crisis demands proactive regeneration of what has been lost. To achieve this, a global model legal framework on ecosystem restoration with binding obligations, a funding mechanism and knowledge-sharing platforms, akin to climate treaties, perhaps would be a step in the right direction. For a country like India, nature restoration is critical. However, most of the restoration laws, programmes and policies in the country seem to be either conservation-centric or fragmented in their approach. In light of this, there appears to be a need for a comprehensive National Framework on Ecosystem Restoration. Such a framework may be based on ecological baseline and biodiversity mapping and mandated across all levels of government – from centre to states and districts. As nature also holds socio-economic and cultural value, restoration efforts can also be based on a bottom-top approach with active community involvement. In this regard, the EU restoration law offers a blueprint. Lastly, while ecological restoration offers undeniable socio-economic benefits, it may not be reduced to a utilitarian exercise that serves just human needs but needs to be guided by the recognition of nature's intrinsic value and the principle of biocentrism, which places all forms of life at the centre of moral concerns. Examine the status and challenges of land degradation and desertification in India. How do national policies address these issues? How does the European Union's Nature Restoration Law serve as a model for global ecosystem restoration efforts? What lessons can India draw from it? Given that India's forest cover stands below the mandated 33%, how can restoration strategies be integrated into national development plans without compromising ecological integrity? Why is ecological restoration emerging as a global imperative in the face of accelerating environmental degradation? Illustrate with examples. What is the concept of 'rights of nature' and how does it challenge traditional anthropocentric environmentalism? (Renuka is a Doctoral researcher at Himachal Pradesh National law university, Shimla.) Share your thoughts and ideas on UPSC Special articles with Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. 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The Hindu
22-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Why India needs stable urban forests
The story so far: One of Hyderabad's last remaining urban forests, Kancha Gachibowli, faced the threat of extinction when the Telangana government decided to give away 400 acres of its land for industrial development. Justifying its move by claiming ownership over the forest, the government alleged that protesting students were misled by real estate interests. However, the Supreme Court took cognisance of the felling of 100 acres of trees and reprimanded the State government. This issue highlighted the vulnerability of urban forests and environmentally insensitive models of urban development. Why do urban forests matter? Urban forests — such as Kancha Gachibowli in Hyderabad, Aarey in Mumbai, Turahalli in Bengaluru, Neela Hauz and the Ridge in Delhi, and Dol Ka Baadh in Jaipur — are significant for healthy urban living. The National Green Tribunal issued a notice to the Madhya Pradesh government against the rampant felling of trees in Bhopal. Similarly, the High Court had to intervene in the case of indiscriminate tree felling in Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh. Many such instances from across India emphasise a need to understand that the urban forests matter to public life. Studies worldwide have underlined the importance of urban forests in coping with the built concrete environment and the emissions from automobile vehicles. They help mitigate climate change, reduce the urban heat island effect, and control stormwater runoff, erosion, and flooding. Urban forests also sequester carbon and absorb pollutants. The density of green spaces in cities ensures the longevity and survival of the endangered birds and animals. Diminishing urban forests in India's metropolitan cities spell severe consequences. For example, in November 2024, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported alarming levels of the air quality index (AQI) in Delhi at 494. Other cities such as Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru had AQI levels above 100. The CPCB mentions PM 2.5 and PM 10 pollutants — mostly from vehicle emissions and construction dust — as the main causes. Urban forests can serve as a safeguard against toxic urban air. A 2006 study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service showed that one hectare of trees can remove around one ton of air pollutants. Urban social and cultural life is otherwise fraught with speed and risk. A sense of romance, repose, relaxation, and nature-sensitive recreation is due to proximity to urban forests. The sustained preservation and consistent creation of urban forests can make Indian cities breathable and urban living beautiful. Why are judicial interventions important? Urban forests have featured in policies, missions, and judicial interventions in India. Both the National Forest Policy of 1988 and the National Mission for Green India of 2014 underlined the imperative of increasing afforestation and social forestry. The Smart Cities Mission and Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation, launched in 2015, integrated smart urban designs with ecological and social development. Besides, the judicial interventions play important roles in promoting and protecting urban forests. The landmark Godavarman case in 1996 broadened the definition of forests to enhance the protection of urban greenery. Consequently, in 2004, the apex court issued interim orders to all the States in India for the identification, scrutiny, and mapping of forests across their territories. The aim was to generate a comprehensive forest inventory in order to enhance conservation efforts. Another instance of judicial intervention was in 2015 when the Delhi High Court directed the Delhi government to notify and protect the Delhi Ridge, also known as the Aravalli leopard wildlife corridor. Similarly, the apex court issued a stay order on the tree felling in Aarey in Mumbai in 2020 in response to the petitions by the citizens who conducted the Save Aarey Forest movement. Equally significant is the instance of the civil society and concerned citizens protesting against the felling of trees in the biodiversity-rich areas of the Baran district in Rajasthan. The Rajasthan High Court took suo motu cognisance of the matter in 2024. The judicial interventions are requisite in the protection of forests and instilling awareness among the citizens. And, so are provisions in the Constitution of India, such as Article 21 (Right to Life), which includes the right to a healthy environment. Equally important are Articles 48A and 51A(g), ensuring the promotion and improvement of the natural environment. What is the main goal of the Nagar Van Yojana? Prime Minister Narendra Modi duly observed the importance of wildlife and biodiversity conservation on the occasion of World Wildlife Day on March 3, 2025. Such a spirit is conducive to the drive to protect urban forests, too. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) of the Government of India had rolled out the Nagar Van Yojana (urban forest scheme) in 2020. The objective was to promote and grow forest spaces in urban areas. The Nagar Van Yojna envisages developing a thousand urban forests by the year 2027. According to the India State of Forest Report 2023, the scheme has resulted in an increase of 1445.81 km of tree and forest cover. Why is the threat to urban forests concerning? Rapidly urbanising India grapples with the consequences of abysmal regard for environmental conservation and sustainability. The threat to urban forests is a challenge to our biomedical, social, and cultural well-being. It is imperative that we, the people, play a role as citizens and civil society. The Supreme Court order directing the Telangana government to restore the forested area of Kancha Gachibowli augurs well for a holistic soul searching. The mushrooming concrete jungles in the cities shall not devour the urban forests. Dev Nath Pathak, Associate Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, South Asian University, Delhi & Vibha S Bharadwaj, Young Scholar, Christ University, Bangalore
