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Gujarat Green Cover Expansion and Ecosystem Restoration Drive

Source:indianmasterminds ↗

Why It Matters

Crucial for understanding state-level environmental initiatives, afforestation programs, coastal management, and ecological conservation policies in Gujarat, which frequently feature in GPSC civil services examinations.

Summary

The Gujarat government is implementing aggressive green cover expansion initiatives, focusing on establishing hi-tech nurseries, restoring vital mangrove belts along the coastlines, and rejuvenating grassland ecosystems to enhance biodiversity and environmental sustainability in the state.

Key Points

  • Gujarat is expanding its green cover through massive nursery development, mangrove restoration, and grassland ecosystem management.
  • Focus on ecological restoration includes coastal protection via mangrove cultivation and reviving degraded grasslands to protect local flora and fauna.
  • Special emphasis on community nurseries and scaling up seedling distribution for afforestation drives across the state.

Important Terms

MISHTI Scheme

A central government initiative launched on June 5, 2023, to restore and expand mangrove ecosystems along India's coastlines. Gujarat has emerged as a frontrunner, implementing over 85% of its early-stage restoration targets.

UPSC context

UPSC Prelims/Mains (Environment & Ecology, Government Schemes): Tests knowledge of coastal conservation programs, climate resilience, and state-level implementation.

Source
Gujarat Forest Department

The nodal state agency tasked with executing afforestation, wildlife protection, and ecological restoration policies, including expanding Gujarat's green cover and rejuvenating degraded ecosystems.

UPSC context

GPSC Prelims/Mains (Gujarat-Specific Administration & Environment): Evaluates the state machinery responsible for sustainable forestry and biodiversity management.

Source
Banni Grassland Restoration

Asia's largest semi-arid grassland in Kutch, Gujarat, facing acute degradation due to the invasive *Prosopis juliflora* tree. Restoration efforts focus on clearing invasive species to revive native grasses.

UPSC context

GPSC/UPSC Prelims/Mains (Biodiversity Conservation): Crucial for questions on invasive alien species, semi-arid ecology, and pastoral livelihoods.

Source

Static Concepts Connected

Environment and Ecology Gujarat Specific

What are the key ecological features and restoration challenges of the Banni Grasslands in Gujarat?

  • Geographic Extent: Largest Asian grassland situated in the Kutch district, spread over nearly 2,600 square kilometers.
  • Flora and Fauna: Dominated historically by native grasses like Sporobolus and Dichanthium supporting the local Maldhari pastoralist community.
  • Major Threat: Severe ecological degradation caused by the aggressive spread of the invasive exotic tree Prosopis juliflora (gando bawal).

Cross-Topic Patterns

  • Mangrove Restoration & Blue Economy Targets

    Mangrove restoration under MISHTI links coastal ecosystem protection directly with climate change adaptation and blue carbon economy targets in Union budget allocations.

  • Invasive Species vs. Grassland Ecology

    Removal of invasive Prosopis juliflora in Banni highlights the friction between exotic afforestation models and native grassland biodiversity restoration under National Wildlife Action Plan.

Expect statement-based Qs on Gujarat's 2047 green cover target, MISHTI scheme rankings, and Banni grassland invasive species management.

Linked PYQs · 2

Linked PYQs · 2

  • 2026GPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    The 'Great Indian Bustard (GIB)' (Ghorad) is frequently seen in the news in the context of wildlife conservation efforts in western India. Consider the following statements regarding this species: 1. Currently, the highest surviving wild population of the Great Indian Bustard in India is located in the semi-arid grasslands of Gujarat. 2. It is a long-distance migratory bird that travels from Central Asia to the Indian subcontinent to escape harsh winters. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?

  • 2025GPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    In which state was the 'Mahabharata Vatika' featuring 37 plant species mentioned in the 'Mahabharata', set up for plant conservation?