Revised Green India Mission Plan

Why in news?

Recently the Union Government released the Revised Green India Mission (GIM) Plan for 2021-2030.

What is the Green India Mission (GIM)?

• The National Mission for a Green India or GIM is a key component of India's strategy to address climate change.
• Launch – 2014
• Parent framework – National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)
• Nodal ministry – Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
• Objectives – It aims to increase forest and tree cover on 5 million hectares and to improve quality of forest cover on another 5 million hectares.
• To restore degraded ecosystems and improve livelihoods dependent on forest produce 
• To improve various ecosystem services, including water availability, biomass production, and biodiversity, alongside carbon sequestration.
• Emphasizes on active participation of local communities in planning, decision-making, implementation, and monitoring of the mission's activities.

What are the Key Features of the Revised GIM Plan?

• Revised Green India Mission (GIM) – It is a 10-year plan focused on increasing of forest and tree cover, restoration of ecosystem, improving ecosystem services, and enhancing the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities.
• Mission duration – 2021-2030 (unveiled in June 2025).
• Micro-ecosystem approach – It will be done by region-specific approach, planting native species, soil and moisture conservation.
• It focuses on the vulnerable landscapes such as,
  • The Aravalli Mountain range
  • The Western Ghats
  • The Indian Himalayan region
  • Mangrove ecosystems
  • Arid regions of North-West India
• Integration with other initiatives – Restoration efforts will be coordinated with, State governments, for localized implementation.
• It is implemented in synergy with other national initiatives like the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and Aravalli Green Wall Project.
• Carbon sink target – The plan targets to achieve an additional 3.39 billion tonnes of carbon sink through restoration activities by 2030.
• This will require an increase in forest and tree cover over an estimated 24.7 million hectares.
• Native species plantation – Preference is given to native tree species with high carbon sequestration and ecological value.
• It also avoids monoculture or non-native species that may harm biodiversity.
• Integration for forest-dependent communities – The plan emphasizes improving livelihoods for communities dependent on forests through,
  • Sustainable use of forest produce.
  • Eco-tourism and conservation-linked livelihoods.
  • Participatory forest management.
• Scientific mapping & planning – Visualization and Accurate collection of geospatial data and ecological vulnerability mapping enabling the creation of detailed forest maps to,
  • Identify suitable areas for national and international projects,
  • Afforestation programs and Restoration of degraded open forests,
  • Agroforestry and
  • Plantation along railways

What is the Need for the Revised Plan?

• India’s forest cover growth remains sluggish – Net Forest cover increased by only 156.41 sq. km as per 18^th India State of Forest Report 2023.
• Limited progress under earlier plan – The progress was slow and scattered, with only about 11.22 million hectares covered under plantations till 2020-21.
• Degradation of critical ecosystems – India State of Forest Report 2023, highlighted worrying trends that,
  • Western Ghats faces Illegal mining, deforestation, pollution, habitat loss.
  • Aravallis faces desertification, soil erosion, biodiversity loss.
  • Mangroves faces coastal degradation, rising vulnerability to cyclones.
  • Himalayas faces landslides, glacial retreat, habitat fragmentation.
• India’s global commitments – India has made an ambitious commitment to restore 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030 in UN Desertification Summit in Riyadh.
• Address gap in monitoring & implementation – Previous phases of GIM lacked robust data integration, monitoring mechanisms, and scientific assessments.
• Landscape-specific solutions – Vulnerable ecosystems require region-specific restoration strategies, rather than a one-size-fits-all plantation model.

What lies ahead?

• Strong coordination between the Centre, State governments, and local communities.
• Mobilising funds from private sector and international climate finance mechanisms.
• Innovative mechanisms like carbon credits and payment for ecosystem services.
• Adoption of Best Practices and Technology from global restoration success stories and adopting nature-based solutions can be critical.
• Public disclosure of restoration progress to ensure greater transparency and accountability.

References

1. The Indian Express | Green India Mission
2. The Indian Express | Revised Green India Mission plan