The Forest Survey of India (FSI) has ceased issuing bi-weekly deforestation alerts to state authorities, a service discontinued since October last year. This move has raised concerns about the monitoring of India’s forest cover.
Previously, the Anavaran-Deforestation Alert System used satellite imagery and machine learning to detect and provide detailed updates on changes in forest cover. Operational since January 2024, the system enabled the FSI to dispatch 12,351 targeted alerts during its active period.
An official from the Ministry of Environment and Forests confirmed that the portal is undergoing a review as it functioned as a pilot project. However, no specific information was provided on when or if the alert system will resume.
(With inputs from agencies.)