India Launches National Workshop to Digitize Forest Boundaries
The National Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (National Authority CAMPA), under the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, convened a significant national workshop in New Delhi aimed at digitizing forest boundaries across India. This pivotal event saw collaboration among senior officials from the Union Government, various States, and Union Territories to expedite the implementation of GIS-based forest boundary digitization, aligning with directives from the Supreme Court of India.
This national initiative is a direct response to the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Lafarge Umiam Mining Pvt. Ltd. vs. Union of India & Ors. case from July 7, 2011, which mandated that all States and Union Territories establish and consistently update a GIS-based decision support database of geo-referenced forest land. However, despite this clear directive, many States and UTs have struggled to make notable progress over the past fourteen years.
Historically, forest boundaries were often recorded using traditional methods, leading to misclassifications and unresolved encroachments. These complications hinder the application of the Forest Rights Act, 2006, and make effective governance challenging. Digitizing these boundaries will foster accurate identification of forest lands and enhance monitoring of forest diversions, thereby solidifying customary and statutory rights while ensuring adherence to national forest policies and Supreme Court rulings.
Key Highlights from the Workshop
During the workshop, a robust three-year technical and institutional framework was introduced. This plan emphasizes the integration of DGPS/CORS-based geo-referencing, the unification of cadastral and revenue data, collaborative verification with Revenue Departments, and public consultations as stipulated under the Forest Rights Act. Moreover, it aims to set up GIS Decision Support Systems within each State and Union Territory.
Odisha’s Chief Executive Officer presented a model showcasing effective standard operating procedures for documentation and notification processes concerning digitized forest boundaries. The state was recognized for its comprehensive approach and early implementation. Other States and UTs also shared their case studies and proposed actionable plans with set deadlines.
As the central authority responsible for policy oversight, National Authority CAMPA will ensure technical standardization, the selection of a national technical partner from established institutions, and the creation of a centralized National GIS Repository for quality monitoring.
Each State and Union Territory has been instructed to compile a time-bound action plan aligned with their Annual Plan of Operations for the fiscal year 2026-27. This is to be supported by Net Present Value funds as outlined under the CAF Rules, 2018.
Shri Sushil Kumar Awasthi, the Director General of Forests and Special Secretary at MoEF&CC, honored the event as the Guest of Honour, with co-chairing duties performed by Shri Siddhanta Das, the Chairman of the Central Empowered Committee. The gathering also heard from leading officials who articulated the workshop’s objectives and the need for digitized forest governance.
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