PARLIAMENT QUESTION: Removal of Invasive Foreign Species in Reserved Forests

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and its line agencies actively identify and monitor invasive alien plant species (IAPS). The Forest Survey of India (FSI) has prepared an album of 45 major invasive species, while the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) has submitted a state‑wise inventory of potential invasive species to the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) to aid the National Management Plan of Invasive Species. Removal and management of these species in Reserved Forests are carried out by State/UT governments under approved forest and wildlife management plans. The National Forest Policy 1988 and the National Working Plan Code 2023 both emphasize ecosystem‑based management, use of native species, and restoration measures that enhance soil moisture, groundwater recharge and overall ecosystem resilience. The information was provided by Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh in a Lok Sabha answer.