TN aims to achieve 33 per cent forest cover by 2030: Govt

The policy was made in compliance with the National Forest Policy of 1988. The 13page forest policy explains the various parameters related to forestry, its conservation and development of people dependent on it. The policy noted that the State was able to not just arrest the degradation of forests,  but achieve reforestation in more than 6 lakh hectares in the last two decades. 

The State will move towards an ecosystem approach of forest management by applying ‘close to nature forestry’, according to which, not just trees but also herbs, shrubs and  climbers will be paid attention. The National Forest Policy of 1988 envisages that the area under forest and tree cover should be enhanced to 33 per cent of the geographical area of the country and keeping that target in mind, the State government will formulate policies and innovative strategies to increase the forest cover to 33 per cent by 2030. 

The policy states that there will be a restriction in the felling and transportation of only the scheduled and valuable tree species, like the sandalwood and the Red sanders.  The earlier restriction in the felling and transportation of other species of trees has been removed completely. The Forest department has also decided to give special attention to conserve the coastal ecosystem, especially mangroves which are identified as a coastal bio-shield. By adopting scientific management of principles and ensuring community participation, the Gulf of Mannar biosphere reserve would be preserved. Also, the Forest department with the help of research institutions will develop better quality clones of indigenous species.