Forest Survey of India (FSI)

The Forest Survey of India (FSI) is an organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India. It is the national agency responsible for conducting forest surveys and assessments, monitoring forest cover, and providing relevant data for forest policy, planning, and conservation efforts in India.

Key Functions of FSI:

1. Forest Cover Assessment:
   • The FSI regularly conducts assessments of the forest cover across India to monitor changes in the extent of forest cover over time. These assessments are crucial for understanding the state of India’s forests, trends in deforestation, and the effectiveness of conservation efforts.
2. Data Collection and Analysis:
   • FSI collects data on various forest resources such as biomass, biodiversity, soil, water, and carbon storage. This data is analyzed and used to support forest management decisions at local, state, and national levels.
3. Forest Type Mapping:
   • It conducts surveys and prepares forest type maps, which help in the classification and categorization of forests based on vegetation, climate, soil, and other factors.
4. Monitoring Forest Degradation:
   • FSI monitors forest degradation, deforestation, and the impact of various human and natural activities on forests, providing vital information to policymakers.
5. Forest Inventory:
   • It carries out forest inventory operations to collect information on forest resources, including tree species, age, height, and volume of timber, which helps in sustainable forest management.
6. Forest Management Support:
   • FSI supports state forest departments and other governmental agencies with information on sustainable forest management, wildlife habitats, and environmental protection.
7. Forest Carbon Stock Estimation:
   • The FSI also estimates the carbon stock in Indian forests, which is critical for India’s commitments under international climate agreements like the Paris Agreement.

Key Surveys and Reports by FSI:

1. India State of Forest Report (ISFR):
   • The India State of Forest Report (ISFR) is the flagship publication of FSI, published every two years. It provides detailed information about the forest cover, density, and the status of various forest resources across the country. This report plays a vital role in forest policy and planning.
2. Forest Fire Monitoring:
   • FSI monitors forest fires and reports on their frequency and impact, helping to develop fire management strategies.
3. National Forest Inventory (NFI):
   • FSI conducts the NFI to assess the stock of timber and other forest resources across the country, which helps in resource planning and management.

Technological Tools Used by FSI:

• FSI utilizes modern technology, including remote sensing and Geographical Information Systems (GIS), to gather, process, and analyze data on forest cover and forest resources. These technologies allow FSI to efficiently track changes in forest cover, monitor forest health, and detect illegal activities like deforestation and encroachment.

Forest Survey of India – Head and Powers:

• The Head of FSI is typically a senior officer from the Indian Forest Service (IFS), who is responsible for leading the organization’s activities and reporting to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
• FSI has the power to collect and disseminate forest data, conduct surveys, and recommend forest management practices to the state and central governments.