PARLIAMENT QUESTION: Forest Conservation Schemes

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change reports that forest‑dependent communities are engaged in conservation through Joint Forest Management Committees and Eco‑Development Committees, supported by the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006. The Ministry provides technical and financial assistance to states under schemes such as the National Mission for a Green India (GIM), CAMPA, Nagar Van Yojana, and MISHTI. The National Action Plan on Forest Fires, 2018, and the centrally‑sponsored ‘Forest Fire Prevention and Management’ scheme aim to curb forest fires. According to the India State of Forest Report 2023, forest and tree cover has risen to 8,27,356.95 sq km (25.17% of the country) with 1,134 protected areas, 58 tiger reserves and 33 elephant reserves.