India committed to global climate action with expanding forest cover, sustainable forestry: Govt
New Delhi, Oct 25
Efforts undertaken to expand forest cover and promote sustainable forestry underscore India’s commitment to global climate action, the government said on Saturday.
India recently achieved a significant milestone in global forest statistics by advancing to the ninth position worldwide in terms of total forest area, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)’s Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA) 2025.
In the previous assessment in 2020, India was ranked 10th. The country has also maintained its third position globally in the annual net gain of forest area.
“This shows what strong national commitment can achieve. India’s consistent efforts in expanding forest cover, promoting sustainable forestry, and implementing missions like Green India Mission underscore its commitment to environmental conservation and global climate action,†the government said in an official statement.
To enhance forest cover, the government increased funds in the Budget 2025-26.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) allocated Rs 3,412.82 crore, a 9 per cent increase from the revised estimate of Rs 3,125.96 crore in 2024-25.
Other measures include the launch of the National Mission for a Green India (GIM), the National Afforestation Programme, and Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment)
While GIM seeks to expand forest and tree cover, restore ecosystems, and enhance biodiversity and carbon sinks, the afforestation programme aims for the regeneration of degraded forests and adjoining areas in the country.
The Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam initiative, under Mission LiFE, is an emotional call to encourage tree plantation by linking it to the love for one’s mother or motherland.
These measures resulted in about 72,739 thousand hectares of forest area in India -- roughly 2 per cent of the world total, as per GFRA 2025 data.
Further, the country gained success in expanding planted forests with bamboo and rubber plantations, the statement said.
With an increase in forest cover, India also ranked fifth among the top global carbon sinks, with its forests removing 150 million tonnes of COâ‚‚ per year during 2021-2025, advancing the global climate goals.
Asia, including India, saw forest carbon removals increase to 0.9 Gt COâ‚‚ per year in 2021-2025, with deforestation emissions dropping significantly, as per data from the FAO.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Great to see India moving up in global forest rankings! But I hope this isn't just about numbers. We need to ensure these are natural forests with biodiversity, not just monoculture plantations. The carbon sink data is impressive though - 150 million tonnes COâ‚‚ removed annually is no small achievement.
While the progress is commendable, I'm concerned about the quality of these forests. In many states, natural forests are being replaced by commercial plantations. We need more focus on native species and ecological restoration rather than just area expansion.
As an expat living in India, I'm genuinely impressed by these initiatives. The Mission LiFE approach of connecting environmental action with cultural values is brilliant. More countries should learn from India's holistic approach to climate action.
The budget increase for environment ministry is a positive step, but still seems inadequate given the scale of challenges. We need stronger protection for existing forests while expanding new ones. The bamboo and rubber plantations should not compromise natural ecosystems.
Proud of our country's progress! 🇮🇳 The fact that we're now 5th in global carbon sinks shows our forests are working hard for the planet. Let's continue this momentum and involve local communities more in conservation efforts. Every tree counts!
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