Intensification Of Forest Management Scheme (IFMS)

This programme was formerly known as Integrated Forest Protection Scheme.  The National Forest Policy 1988 aims at bringing 33 per cent of country’s geographical area under the forests/tree cover. While aiming to expand the forest cover in the country, it is equally important to improve the state of existing forests and protect them against various threats.

The threats to forests include encroachments, forest fires, illegal felling for timber and firewood grazing, diseases and incursion of weeds and other invasive species. In addition, there are problems related to unique vegetation and eco-systems either due to high value or peculiar nature of their management. Examples of this include forests with species such as Sandalwood, Red Sanders and Bamboo to name a few. The scheme of Intensification of Forest Management intends to address both the general problems of forest protection and protection of unique vegetation.

Introduction Of The Scheme

The Intensification of Forest Management scheme is a revised version of Integrated Forest Protection Scheme that was in operation during the 10th Five Year Plan and was allowed to continue in the 11th Five Year Plan as well. The main components of the scheme during the 11th Five Year Plan were as under:

1. Forest Fire control and Management (existing)
2. Strengthening of Infrastructure (existing)
3. Survey, Demarcation and Working Plan preparation (existing)
4. Protection and Conservation of Sacred Groves (New)
5. Conservation and Restoration of Unique Vegetation & Ecosystems (New)
6. Control and Eradication of Forest Invasive Species (New)
7. Preparedness for Meeting Challenges of Bamboo Flowering and Improving Management of Bamboo Forests (New)

Implementing Agencies

The Scheme has a Central Sector component and a State Sector component. The major works of the Scheme that are to be implemented by the State/UT Forest Department would be implemented through the State Sector component by releasing the funds to the concerned States/UT Governments.

Under the Central Sector component of the Scheme, the Forest Protection Division of the Ministry of Environment & Forests would implement the works of monitoring, evaluation and other such works which are spread over more than one State/Union Territory.

During the 12thPlan Period Intensification of Forest Management Scheme (IFMS) and National Afforestation Programme will be under a new scheme called Afforestation & Forest Management.