Raipur.
Chhattisgarh has created a record on the eve of New Year. A big achievement has been achieved in the new year 2025. It has become the first state in the country to launch the initiative to link forest ecosystem services with green GDP. This will advance the pace of development in Chhattisgarh by measuring the comprehensive value of ecosystem services.
Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai said that the Chhattisgarh government is preparing a vision document in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Developed India 2047 vision and Sustainable Development Goals, which includes the concept of valuation of ecosystem services operated by the forest department. This holistic approach underlines the state’s commitment to maintain a balance between environmental protection and economic progress, thereby ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for future generations. Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap said assessment of ecosystem services will not only make budgetary planning more streamlined, but also provide direction to future strategies, make fund allocation more effective and empower forestry development efforts. This process will prove to be an important step towards sustainable development and better management of resources.
The Joint Forest Management Program in Chhattisgarh has further empowered local communities. With national parks like Guru Ghasidas, Kanger Valley and Indravati, Chhattisgarh has immense potential for nature-based tourism. Local residents are being actively involved in the management of facilities like jungle safaris, nature trails and eco-camping, which has not only promoted socio-economic development but also empowered environmental conservation efforts. 44 percent of the land area of ​​Chhattisgarh is covered by forest area. It forms a strong base for the rural economy of the state and plays an important role in the livelihood of millions of people. These forests provide various direct and indirect benefits. Other important intangible benefits derived from forests are often neglected and not properly valued. These include services such as carbon absorption to maintain climate balance, pollination, which is vital for agriculture, nutrient cycling, improving soil fertility and biodiversity conservation. Forests also have an important role in flood and disease control, managing water flow and reducing the risk of vector-borne diseases.
Forests recharge and purify water, improve air quality by providing pure oxygen, and provide recreation as well as emotional satisfaction through beautiful landscapes and biodiversity-rich areas. These forests also have deep spiritual and religious significance, as they preserve tribal heritage and traditions through sacred sites and areas like Devguri. Apart from this, the forests of Chhattisgarh are the origin of many rivers, which are helpful in continuous water flow, watershed conservation and enriching the soil with organic matter necessary for agriculture and livelihood. These direct benefits have a cascading economic impact on the state’s gross domestic product (GDP). All these benefits encourage rural industries and livelihoods and contribute significantly to the economic development of the state.