Overview: The GIM has restored 1,84,467 hectares of degraded land since 2015‑16. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) also runs the NVY for the period 2020‑21 to 2026‑27. Both initiatives aim to increase green cover, sequester carbon and provide livelihood opportunities.
Key Developments
- GIM has achieved eco‑restoration in 17 states and one Union Territory, covering 1,84,467 ha.
- Allocation of Rs 57.08 crore for FY 2026‑27 to seven states (Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh) for approved activities.
- NVY targets creation of 600 Nagar Vans and 400 Nagar Vatikas by 2026‑27 to boost urban green cover.
- Implementation involves community bodies such as JFMCs, VFCs, Self‑Help Groups and other community organisations.
- Monitoring uses geo‑tagging, GIS mapping, drone surveys and biennial assessments by the FSI, whose findings appear in the ISFR.
Important Facts
State‑wise eco‑restoration under GIM (in hectares): Andhra Pradesh 1,433; Arunachal Pradesh 5,314; Chhattisgarh 22,601; Haryana 3,755; Himachal Pradesh 1,299; Jammu & Kashmir 1,778; Karnataka 2,722; Kerala 14,290; Madhya Pradesh 32,831; Maharashtra 5,223; Manipur 17,488; Mizoram 19,643; Odisha 20,711; Punjab 7,168; Sikkim 6,567; Uttarakhand 14,836; West Bengal 2,606; Uttar Pradesh 4,202.
Exam Relevance
Understanding GIM and NVY is essential for GS‑4 (Environment) questions on climate‑change mitigation, forest‑land restoration, and urban greening. The programmes illustrate how central‑state coordination, community participation, and technology‑enabled monitoring are used to achieve sustainable development goals. They also link to topics on fiscal allocations, policy implementation challenges, and the role of institutions like the NAPCC.
Way Forward
To strengthen outcomes, the Ministry could:
- Increase funding for states lagging in survival rates of planted saplings.
- Expand drone‑based and satellite monitoring for real‑time assessment.
- Integrate livelihood components more deeply with forest‑dependent communities.
- Promote public‑private partnerships for urban greening under NVY.
- Ensure regular reporting in the ISFR to track progress against national targets.
These steps will help India meet its climate commitments, improve air quality, and provide socio‑economic benefits to rural and urban populations.