CAG Red-Flags Green India Mission After 98% Forest Cover Miss
What Happened
CAG has flagged major shortcomings in the Green India Mission, revealing that the increase in forest cover achieved over a decade (2015-16 to 2024-25) was only 0.03 million hectares against a target of 1.4 million hectares, a shortfall of nearly 98%. The audit also found a 92% shortfall in improving forest quality and cited poor planning, weak monitoring, financial mismanagement, and the selection of less vulnerable areas for afforestation.
Key Takeaways
The CAG report raises serious concerns about India's flagship afforestation programme, suggesting that weak implementation and oversight have significantly undermined efforts to expand forest cover and strengthen climate resilience.