Need to take forest cover seriously

The Haryana Forest Department has sent notices to more than a dozen people for encroachment on 35 acres of protected Aravali forest land, after media reports pointed to illegal deforestation and construction work in an area protected under the Forest (Conservation) Act 1980. This is a welcome move, even as the breach was clearly allowed to take place. Governments need to step up their forest conservation efforts if India is serious about showcasing its serious commitment to environmental protection. A list should be drawn up of activities, especially housing construction, for which no diversion of forest land should be permitted. In cases like the Aravali range, which has been assailed by deforestation, mining and encroachment, the 'blacklist' must be more exhaustive.

More stringent forest clearance norms alone will not protect forests. Tackling illegal mining, deforestation and encroachment will require authorities taking the task of monitoring and implementation of regulations and compliance seriously. The administration of forests is shared responsibility between the central and state governments. Government must put in place deterrents to stop legitimising violation and a prevalent chalta hai culture. This means taking punitive action against violators, including enablers in government.

Forests serve critical functions, particularly in ensuring the health of hydrological systems, improved air quality and stemming land degradation. They also provide ecosystem services that help underpin human life and settlements. Ring-fencing demarcated forest areas must not be seen as an economic burden. Instead, forest administrations need to focus on making evident the value that ecosystem services have for the economy and society's well-being.