Forests of State are Priceless Heritage of Nation as Well: CM Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to contributing in every possible way toward the realisation of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat @2047’. In line with the goal of a ‘Prosperous Madhya Pradesh @2047’, comprehensive development across all sectors is being undertaken in the state. He stated that the forests of Madhya Pradesh are not only a valuable heritage of the state but also an invaluable asset of the nation. With the country set to complete 100 years of Independence in 2047, a long-term action plan has been prepared to conserve forest resources, promote community-based forest management, and defines the role of forests in achieving India’s environmental and developmental goals in the 21st century.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav described the long-term roadmap titled ‘Vision@2047 – Reimagining Forest Resources for a Climate-Resilient Future’ as an important and forward-looking document aimed at biodiversity conservation and strengthening community-based forest management.

Madhya Pradesh is endowed with diverse and rich forests, ranging from dense forests to semi-arid woodlands and riverine ecosystems. These forests provide habitat to a vast array of flora and fauna and serve as the origin of major rivers, ensuring water security for millions of people. They are also the backbone of livelihoods for tribal and forest-dependent communities, whose culture and identity are closely intertwined with forest ecosystems. Protecting these forests is not merely an environmental responsibility but also a social and economic necessity.

Vision@2047 is founded on the belief that traditional forest management approaches based solely on regulation and conservation are no longer sufficient. Changing rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, forest fires, and land-use pressures demand comprehensive and forward-looking solutions. Accordingly, the Vision adopts an ecological, climate-resilient, and science-based approach.

A key pillar of Vision@2047 is community participation. Forest-dependent communities are envisioned not merely as beneficiaries but as co-managers and custodians of forest resources. When communities derive direct benefits from forests, they become their strongest protectors. The Vision promotes inclusive development based on this principle.

The document also places strong emphasis on modernising forest management. It underscores the use of digital technology in governance processes to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability.

Institutional reforms and capacity building form the foundation of Vision@2047. Transforming policies into effective outcomes requires a skilled, trained, and motivated workforce. The department will continue to invest in training, leadership development, scientific research, and innovation.

Vision@2047 has been structured into five chapters, encompassing the history and organisational framework of the Forest Department, its vision, mission, guiding principles and key achievements up to 2024. It outlines 11 major pillars for implementation, including forest management, wildlife conservation, forest protection, optimal utilisation of forest resources, green cover outside forest areas, community forestry and livelihoods, eco-tourism and nature education, climate resilience, carbon and ecosystem services, policy and legal reforms, human resource development and welfare, and digital and data transformation.

Vision@2047 is a dynamic document that will evolve in response to emerging challenges and opportunities. It is committed to achieving the target of 33% green cover and contributing to the national resolve of attaining net-zero emissions by 2070. The state government is dedicated to ensuring that the forests of Madhya Pradesh remain healthy, productive, and relevant for future generations.