Chhattisgarh has started an initiative for the first time in the country to link the ecosystem services of forests to Green GDP i.e. 'Green Gross Domestic Product'.
With this unique initiative, the benefits of forests, such as clean air, water conservation and biodiversity, are now being linked with the economic progress. This step has been taken in view of economic progress while keeping the environment safe.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that this step has been taken to fulfill the dream of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Developed India 2047'. He told that we get many unseen benefits from forests, such as keeping the atmosphere cool, maintaining soil quality, cleaning water and absorbing carbon dioxide through trees. All these services will be evaluated properly so that our plans can be improved in future and our earth can be kept safe.
He said that 44 percent of Chhattisgarh's area is covered with forest, which is the basis of livelihood of millions of people. Products like tendu leaves, lac, honey and medicinal plants are obtained from forests, which strengthen the rural economy. Apart from this, forests help the environment in carbon absorption and combat climate change.
The CM emphasized that the new forest initiative in Chhattisgarh aims to recognize the true value of forests. This initiative will contribute to forest conservation and assess their benefits, enhancing budgeting and planning efforts. Forests offer significant environmental advantages and also create employment opportunities.
People are involved in eco-tourism
CM Sai said that in national parks like Guru Ghasidas, Kanger Ghati and Indravati, people are involved in eco-tourism, such as jungle safari and camping. This is providing employment to the people around. He said the forests of Chhattisgarh also have religious and cultural importance. They help in saving tribal traditions and give spiritual peace to the people. This new scheme is a big step to save forests and understand their benefits, which will help the state move forward.
How economic value of forests will be determined?
CM Vishnu Deo Sai said that to determine the economic value of forests, scientists will analyze the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by trees each year and the clean oxygen produced as a result. The potential market value of this contribution will be included in the assessment. Additionally, water conservation will be considered by calculating the water provided by rivers and waterfalls originating from forests and its significance for both people and agriculture.
The study will also examine how the decomposition of leaves and roots enhances soil fertility, the benefits to farming, and the crucial roles played by animals, birds, and insects in supporting the environment and agriculture.
Prakash Kumar Pandey
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