CAG Reports Alarming 98% Shortfall in Green India Mission’s Forest Cover Goals

The recent audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has unveiled a startling discrepancy in the progress of the Green India Mission, revealing that the initiative has achieved only a minuscule increase of 0.03 million hectares of forest cover over the last decade. This figure falls dramatically short of the ambitious target of 1.4 million hectares, resulting in a staggering 97.5% shortfall. The findings, reported by various media outlets, shine a light on the challenges faced by the mission since its inception in February 2014.

The Green India Mission is a critical component of India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change, aimed at safeguarding, restoring, and enhancing the country’s forest resources. However, according to the CAG’s audit presented in Parliament, the mission has struggled due to inadequate financial planning and a lack of coherence with existing state and central programs. Inadequate monitoring of the initiatives has further exacerbated the shortcomings, leaving significant gaps in the mission’s effectiveness.

The audit assessed the mission’s implementation across 16 states and Union territories, where financial targets were set for the period between 2015 and 2025. Alarmingly, the report highlighted that while there was some improvement in the quality of forest cover, amounting to only 0.1 million hectares, this too represents a shortfall of 91.8% compared to the initial target. The underperformance raises serious questions about the strategic planning and execution of environmental initiatives in the country.

Among the states assessed, only Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh conducted assessments on carbon sequestration, underscoring a significant lack of comprehensive evaluations across the board. The audit critically points to the need for enhanced coordination between different levels of government and better resource allocation to ensure that the objectives of the Green India Mission are met.

As India grapples with climate challenges and environmental degradation, the findings of this audit serve as a wake-up call. It underscores the necessity for a more robust and integrated approach to forest management and environmental policy. Stakeholders at all levels must come together to strategize effectively, fostering a collaborative environment that prioritizes the health of India’s forests for future generations.

Source: scroll.in