The MoEFCC and its line agencies have detailed how invasive alien plants are identified, monitored and removed from Reserved Forest areas. The response was given by the Minister of State, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, in a Lok Sabha written answer (USQ 3594).
Key Developments
- Preparation of an album of 45 major invasive species by the FSI.
- Submission of a state‑wise inventory of potential invasive species by the BSI to the NBA for a national management plan.
- Implementation of removal and native‑species planting by State Governments/UT Administrations as per local forest and wildlife management plans.
- Re‑affirmation of the National Forest Policy, 1988 and the National Working Plan Code, 2023 to guide ecosystem‑based management.
Important Facts
- IAPS show dense to scanty occurrence across Reserved Forests.
- The album lists 45 priority invasive species for monitoring.
- BSI’s inventory covers both forest and non‑forest areas, enabling a comprehensive national plan.
- Management actions include removal of invasives, soil and moisture conservation, watershed management, and preference for site‑specific indigenous species.
Exam Relevance
Understanding the mechanisms of invasive species control is vital for GS‑3 (Environment & Ecology) and for questions on forest governance in GS‑2 (Polity). The coordination between central ministries, statutory bodies like the NBA, and state administrations illustrates the federal structure of environmental policy. The reference to the National Forest Policy, 1988 and the recent National Working Plan Code, 2023 provides concrete examples for essay and case‑study questions on sustainable forest management.
Way Forward
Future steps should focus on:
- Regular updating of the invasive‑species album and state‑wise inventories.
- Strengthening capacity of forest officials for rapid detection and eradication.
- Integrating community participation through awareness programmes and incentives for planting native species.
- Monitoring the impact of removal activities on groundwater recharge, soil moisture and overall ecosystem resilience.
These measures will help India meet its biodiversity targets and enhance the resilience of forest ecosystems against climate change.