Afforestation refers to the process of planting trees in areas that were not previously forested, with the goal of increasing forest cover, restoring ecosystems, and mitigating climate change. In India, afforestation is undertaken under various government schemes aimed at environmental conservation, biodiversity enhancement, and sustainable development.

Major afforestation schemes include: (a) National Afforestation Programme (NAP) implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), this scheme supports afforestation in degraded forest lands through participatory approaches involving local communities. (b) The Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) scheme ensures that trees are planted as compensation for forest land diverted for non-forest use, like industrial or infrastructure projects. (c) Green India Mission (GIM) is part of India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). GIM focuses on enhancing forest-based livelihoods, restoring degraded ecosystems, and increasing carbon sinks.

Afforestation plays a critical role in addressing climate change, soil erosion, biodiversity loss, and air pollution. It helps in carbon sequestration, conserves water, improves soil fertility, and provides livelihood opportunities to local communities. In the context of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and India’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement, afforestation is a key strategy for promoting ecological sustainability and resilience against environmental degradation.