EXPANDING TREE COVER IS CRUCIAL

As India strives to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, tree plantations and carbon sequestration will be key pillars of its sustainability strategy

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As climate change accelerates, tree plantation and carbon sequestration are essential for environmental sustainability. For India, a rapidly growing economy reliant on carbon-intensive industries, expanding tree cover is crucial for mitigating climate change while supporting industrial growth and rural livelihoods.

India's forest and tree cover is 25.17%, significantly below the 33% target set by the National Forest Policy of 1988. This shortfall has serious implications, as deforestation, rapid urbanisation, and industrial emissions continue to degrade ecosystems.

Accelerating afforestation

Tree plantations act as natural carbon sinks, absorbing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). However, in India, this sequestration potential needs to be enhanced through large-scale afforestation programmes. Beyond reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increased tree cover improves soil health, recharges groundwater, retains water, reduces soil erosion, and enhances resilience against extreme weather events.

Recognising this, India has introduced several policies and initiatives to accelerate afforestation efforts. The National Agroforestry Policy (2014) and the Trees Outside Forests in India Program encourage private landowners, farmers, and industries to participate in large-scale tree planting. They aim to reduce dependence on natural forests for timber and fuelwood, restore degraded ecosystems, and provide additional income sources for rural communities.