National Mission for a Green India (GIM) under the environment ministry has approved annual plans for Kerala, Mizoram, Manipur and Jhakhand.
Its National Executive Council (NEC), which met recently, approved the Perspective Plans (PP) and Annual Plan of Operations (APOs) for these states.
GIM, one of eight Missions outlined under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), acknowledges the influence forests have on environmental amelioration through climate change mitigation, food security, water security, biodiversity conservation and livelihood security of forest-dependent communities.
NEC approved the PP of all four states with a total financial outlay of Rs 902 crore for a plan period of five to ten years years along with APOs of Rs 112 crore for this financial year. The total forest and non-forest area taken up in the four states under GIM during the total plan period will be 1,08,335 hectares, out of which 81,939 ha will be improving the density of existing forests and 16,396 ha will be new areas, the statement said.
"For the current financial year, it will be 28,250 ha and 7,827 ha respectively. Approval has been granted for alternative energy devices such as biogas, solar devices, LPG, biomass-based systems and improved stoves for 27, 032 households for the current financial year..."
"...and 81, 233 households for the total plan period."
"This will help in reducing pressure on forests, gaining carbon benefits along with health and other associated benefits," the statement said.
The GIM hinges on decentralised participatory approach involving grass root level organisations and community in planning, decision making, implementation and monitoring.
It lays emphasis on landscape approach and convergence with complementary schemes and programmes for better coordination in developing forests and their fringe areas in a holistic and sustainable manner.
NEC met on October 9 and the meeting was attended by its members, inter-ministerial experts, mission director, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCFs) and state nodal officers from the four states.
Union Environment Secretary Ashok Lavasa, who chaired the meeting, also appreciated the efforts being taken up by the states in working upon convergence opportunities with complementary schemes to ensure requisite investment and saturation of the landscapes.
