Forest Survey of India (FSI), is a premier national organization under the union Ministry of Environment and Forests
It is responsible for assessment and monitoring of the forest resources of the country regularly
In addition, it is also engaged in providing the services of training, research and extension

Established on June 1,1981, the Forest Survey of India succeeded the ‘Pre-investment Survey of Forest Resources‘ (PISFR)
PISFR is a project initiated in 1965 by Government of India with the sponsorship of FAO and UNDP
The main objective of PISFR was to ascertain the availability of raw material for establishment of wood based industries in selected areas of the country
In its report in 1976, the National Commission on Agriculture (NCA) recommended for the creation of a National Forest Survey Organization for a regular, periodic and comprehensive forest resources survey of the country leading to creation of FSI
After a critical review of activities undertaken by FSI, Government of India redefined the mandate of FSI in 1986 in order to make it more relevant to the rapidly changing needs and aspirations of the country

To prepare State of Forest Report biennially, providing assessment of latest forest cover in the country and monitoring changes in these
To conduct inventory in forest and non-forest areas and develop database on forest tree resources
To prepare thematic maps on 1:50,000 scale, using aerial photographs
To function as a nodal agency for collection, compilation, storage and dissemination of spatial database on forest resources
To conduct training of forestry personnel in application of technologies related to resources survey, remote sensing, GIS, etc
To strengthen research & development infrastructure in FSI and to conduct research on applied forest survey techniques
To support State/UT Forest Departments (SFD) in forest resources survey, mapping and inventory
To undertake forestry related special studies/consultancies and custom made training courses for SFD’s and other organisations on project basis

FSI is headed by a Director General supported by two Joint Directors and eight Deputy Directors at headquarters
Each Zonal office is headed by a Regional Director and supported by one or two Deputy Directors
The Joint Directors at the headquarters head two units namely National Forest Data Management Centre (NFDMC) and Training & Forest Inventory (TFI)
NFDMC conducts assessment of forest cover, thematic mapping, production of maps, etc
TFI unit is concerned with inventory of tree resources inside and outside the forests, conducting of training courses, extension works, publication of reports, maintenance of library, etc
The total sanctioned strength ofthe organisation is 436, which includes members of the Indian Forest Service and Indian Statistical Service on deputation

Published with inputs from Swapnil

[E&B Bodies #4] Forest Survey of India

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