Raipur: Chhattisgarh's forests contribute nearly Rs 1.41 lakh crore annually through ecosystem services, equivalent to around 11.4% of the state GDP, according to a comprehensive valuation study conducted by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) for the state forest department.
Economic and Ecological Value
The assessment places the economic and ecological value of forests far above the conventional estimate of 3.46% based largely on timber and logging activities. With nearly 44% of the geographical area under forest cover and about 1.27 crore people residing in forest fringe villages, Chhattisgarh's forests provide critical ecological, climatic, cultural and livelihood support to millions of people, especially tribal and forest-dependent communities.
Components of Valuation
The valuation includes not only tangible forest products such as timber, bamboo, fuelwood, fodder and Minor Forest Produce (MFP), but also crucial ecological services including carbon sequestration and climate regulation, water conservation and purification, pollination services supporting agriculture, soil conservation and nutrient cycling, biodiversity conservation, and ecotourism, education and scientific value.
Key Findings
The study estimates that regulating ecosystem services alone contribute nearly Rs 48,908 crore annually, while biodiversity conservation and supporting services contribute more than Rs 56,000 crore. The findings reinforce the urgent need for enhanced investments in forest protection and habitat restoration, climate-resilient forestry infrastructure, digital forest monitoring systems, human-wildlife conflict mitigation, and sustainable livelihood generation for forest fringe communities.
Innovative Financing Mechanisms
The report also highlights the immense potential of innovative financing mechanisms such as carbon finance and green economy frameworks, which can help channel additional resources into forest conservation and community development. Chhattisgarh has already emerged as a national leader in several conservation initiatives, including technology-driven wildlife monitoring, elephant tracking and early warning systems, landscape-level habitat restoration, community-based conservation models, and protection of rare and endangered species.
Future Outlook
The Forest Department believes that integrating ecosystem service valuation into development planning will help reposition forests from being viewed merely as timber resources to being recognized as foundational assets for sustainable economic growth, climate resilience and ecological security. The findings provide strong scientific and economic justification for strengthening conservation investments and ensuring long-term protection of Chhattisgarh's rich forest landscapes for future generations.
