What happened (Lok Sabha reply on IAPS in reserved forests)
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) stated in a Lok Sabha written reply that MoEFCC and its line institutions identify and monitor invasive alien plant species (IAPS). For identification, the Forest Survey of India (FSI) has prepared a separate album of 45 major invasive species. The Ministry also stated that Botanical Survey of India (BSI) has recently prepared and submitted a comprehensive, state-wise inventory of potential invasive species to the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA> to facilitate preparation of the National Management Plan of Invasive Species.
MoEFCC clarified the management responsibility for reserved forests and other protected forest areas: management and removal of invasive plant species, and cultivation of indigenous plant species, are undertaken by respective State Governments/Union Territory Administrations and concerned agencies. These actions are carried out according to local requirements and the provisions of the approved forest and wildlife management plans.
Background and earlier position (how policy and institutions connect)
MoEFCC linked invasive species conservation actions to forest policy guidance and ecosystem-based planning. The Ministry referenced the National Forest Policy, 1988, which aims at maintaining environmental stability, restoring ecological balance, and increasing forest/tree cover through afforestation and regeneration using native/indigenous species. MoEFCC also referenced the National Working Plan Code, 2023, which provides for ecosystem-based forest management, including invasive species management and restoration of degraded forest landscapes. The National Working Plan Code, 2023 also covers soil and moisture conservation measures, watershed management, and preference for site-specific indigenous/native species during regeneration and restoration, taking local ecological conditions into account.