Why in the News?

On June 17, coinciding with World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, the Union Government unveiled a revised roadmap for the National Mission for a Green India (GIM). This renewed strategy not only emphasizes expanding forest and green cover but also prioritizes ecological restoration in some of India’s most vulnerable ecosystems—the Aravalli ranges, Western Ghats, Himalayas, and mangrove forests.

The updated mission document, covering the period 2021–2030, was released by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav during an event held in Jodhpur.

Understanding the Green India Mission (GIM)

Launched in 2014, the Green India Mission is one of the eight core missions under India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). Its primary aim is to combat climate change by increasing forest and tree cover and restoring degraded ecosystems.

Key Objectives:

• Afforestation and reforestation: Increase forest and tree cover over 5 million hectares.
• Forest quality enhancement: Improve the quality of forest cover on another 5 million hectares.
• Livelihood improvement: Support forest-dependent communities through sustainable forest-based livelihood initiatives.

A Targeted Approach Based on Vulnerability and Potential

Activities under GIM are carefully targeted. The selection of areas is based on:

• Ecological vulnerability mapping
• Carbon sequestration potential (the natural ability of trees and plants to absorb and store carbon)
• Degree of forest and land degradation
• Restoration capacity of specific regions

Revised Focus Areas: Restoration of Fragile Ecosystems

The revised mission places special emphasis on region-specific and landscape-based restoration practices. Focus regions include:

• The Aravalli Hills
• The Western Ghats
• The Indian Himalayas
• Mangrove ecosystems

Notably, the mission’s initiatives will now align with projects such as the Aravalli Green Wall Project, launched to tackle desertification in the Aravallis, which serve as a natural shield against the advancing Thar Desert.

Projected Climate Impact: A Strong Carbon Sink

According to projections by the Forest Survey of India (FSI), the restoration activities under the revised GIM could potentially generate a carbon sink of 3.39 billion tonnes. This ambitious target hinges on expanding forest and tree cover over 24.7 million hectares across the country.

Understanding Land Degradation and the Need for Restoration

While the revamped Green India Mission (GIM) brings a renewed focus on restoring vulnerable landscapes, it’s essential to understand what land degradation is and what causes it.

What is Land Degradation?

As defined by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), land degradation refers to the reduction or loss of biological and economic productivity in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas. This includes damage to:

• Rainfed and irrigated croplands
• Pastures and rangelands
• Forests and woodlands

These losses result from both natural processes and human-induced activities, such as:

• Soil erosion by wind and water
• Deterioration of soil quality – physical, chemical, and biological
• Long-term depletion of natural vegetation

Key Drivers of Land Degradation and Desertification

1. Unsustainable Agricultural Practices
   • Over-cropping and mono-cropping
   • Shifting cultivation without adequate fallow periods
   • Excessive and unbalanced use of fertilizers
2. Unplanned Land Conversion
   • Deforestation to clear land for urban development or farming
   • Encroachment due to unregulated urban expansion
3. Loss of Vegetative Cover
   • Overgrazing by livestock
   • Excessive fuelwood collection
   • Poor forest management and recurring forest fires
4. Climate Extremes and Droughts
   • Droughts intensify land degradation in areas with diminished vegetation cover, disrupting water cycles and soil moisture retention.
5. Poor Water Management
   • Inefficient irrigation methods
   • Excessive withdrawal of groundwater resources

The Importance of Land Restoration

Healthy land is the foundation of resilient ecosystems, sustainable agriculture, and biodiversity. Land restoration is not just about planting trees—it’s about reviving the natural functions of ecosystems to support life and livelihoods.

What is Land Restoration?

As per the UNCCD, land restoration is the ecological process of rebuilding degraded land into a productive and stable environment. This includes creating habitats for wildlife, ensuring food security, and restoring water balance.

Why Land Restoration Matters:

• Protects ecosystems and biodiversity
• Enhances soil fertility and food production
• Reduces vulnerability to natural disasters like floods and droughts
• Boosts rural economies and sustainable development
• Supports climate change mitigation by enhancing carbon sequestration