The Economic Survey states that there are 75 RAMSAR sites in the country and notes an increase in mangrove cover by 364 sq km
According to the Economic Survey 2022–23, released by Nirmala Sitharaman, the Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs, in the Parliament today, India is leading one of the most ambitious clean energy transitions in the world and is unwavering in its resolve to combat climate change. The survey cited its increasing forest cover and preservation of ecosystems among its various highlights regarding its net-zero targets.
Increasing forest cover
In terms of the average yearly net gain in forest area between 2010 and 2020, India is third in the world. It gives credit to the effective structure and regulations put in place by the federal and state governments, including the Green India Mission (GIM), the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA), and others. Arunachal Pradesh has the highest carbon store in forests among Indian States, and Jammu & Kashmir supplies the most carbon per hectare (173.41 tonnes).
According to the Indian State of Forest Report (ISFR), the carbon stock of forests would be around 7,204 million tonnes in 2019, up by 79.4 million tonnes over the previous assessment's predictions for 2017. This amounts to 30.1 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent in carbon emissions sequestered by forest and tree cover.
Maintenance of ecosystems
There are currently 75 Ramsar sites for wetlands in India, totaling 13.3 lakh hectares, as part of the country's commitment to the preservation of ecosystems. The economic report also notes that several regulatory and promotional initiatives to maintain and conserve mangroves have led to an increase in mangrove cover by 364 sq. km. in 2021. To safeguard and preserve mangroves, the government has implemented both legislative and promotional efforts. It is being done through the National Coastal Mission Programme on "Conservation and Management of Mangroves and Coral Reefs."
River conservation
The government is also working towards the protection of rivers. Trough the Central Sector Scheme of Namami Gange for the River Ganga and its tributaries and the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) for other rivers, it has been assisting the States and Union Territories (UTs) in their efforts to reduce pollution in identified polluted stretches of the country's rivers.
Additionally, the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), Dehradun, in collaboration with the State Forest Departments and other line Departments, has produced Detailed Project Reports (DPR) for the rejuvenation of 13 key rivers.