New Delhi: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change organized a national workshop in New Delhi on the theme ‘Leveraging Latest Technologies in Assessment of Forest and Tree Resources’. Union Minister Bhupender Yadav presided over the inaugural session, while Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh was also present.
At the workshop, forest departments, scientific institutions, and technical experts discussed the use of modern technology in the assessment, monitoring, and management of forest and tree resources. Key topics included the digitization of forest boundaries, the assessment of forest and tree cover, and the estimation of carbon stocks.
Bhupender Yadav emphasized strengthening data related to natural resources and accelerating forest conservation and climate goals through technology. He stated that humanity should work towards coexisting with nature rather than placing itself above it.
He stated that enhancing carbon sinks through forest and tree cover is part of India’s third NDC goal. In India, a regular biennial assessment of forest and tree resources has been conducted since 1987 through the Forest Survey of India (FSI), and the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) serves as the primary scientific basis for this.
Yadav also emphasized the standardization of data and parameters for forest conservation, the identification of forest fire-prone areas, and targeted prevention strategies. He stated that technological innovation, robust institutional capacity, and community participation are essential to achieving the target of a 3.5–4.0 billion tonne CO₂-equivalent carbon sink by 2035.
According to the Ministry, technical and financial assistance is being provided to states and Union Territories to increase forest and tree cover through initiatives such as the Green India Mission, MISHTI, Nagar Van Yojana, Namo Van, and ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’.
(PIB)
