Study on Implementation of Compensatory Afforestation in India

This piece of writing by Ritika Singh and Aniruddh Soni sheds light on both limitation and potential of compensatory afforestation.

- 

The authors have included a study conducted by the Land Resources Division of TERI to evaluate the implementation of compensatory afforestation in India. The study received support from The Infravision Foundation (TIF). This study identified challenges, address gaps, and propose actionable solutions. The authors concluded, if managed properly, this mechanism could ensure that not only are forests regenerated but foster long-term environmental and societal well-being. With a more effective implementation strategy, compensatory afforestation can serve as a powerful tool for channelling funds into forest conservation efforts. It can also play a pivotal role in uplifting communities, both directly and indirectly.

Forests are indispensable for sustaining life on Earth, providing essential ecosystem services and supporting the livelihoods of millions of people. However, increasing human demands over the years have led to the deterioration of forests to meet those needs. As development is an inevitable aspect for a developing nation like India, it has become crucial to establish a system that balances development and conservation by assessing whether the loss of forests is justified and, if so, determine ways to mitigate or compensate for the loss.

A notable initiative by the Government of India in this context is the 'compensatory afforestation' that frequently makes headlines due to its large-scale figures and the concerns it raises about its success in achieving its intended goals.