In a significant stride towards sustainable forestry management, the Indian government introduced the One Nation-One Pass scheme on December 29. This initiative aims to ensure an uninterrupted supply of wood, bamboo, and other forest products across the country. The latest data from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change reveals promising progress, with 21,232 applications approved out of 23,723 received.

Application Overview

The government’s robust response to the scheme is evident, with 7,171 No Objection Certificates (NOC) and 14,061 Transit Permits (TP) already issued. However, there are 1,218 pending applications, and 1,169 applications have been rejected. While the ministry has not disclosed specific reasons for rejection, officials suggest that incomplete or inaccurate information in applications is the primary cause.

National Transit Permit System (NTPS)

Before the implementation of the National Transit Permit System (NTPS), the issuance of transit permits for timber and forest products followed individual state rules. The NTPS revolutionizes this process by introducing an online platform for obtaining transit permits. It also establishes a comprehensive record-keeping system, monitoring the movement of timber, bamboo, and other forest products within and between states.

Regional Distribution of Permits

Under the One Nation-One Pass initiative, West Bengal takes the lead with an impressive 10,878 permits. This highlights the state’s commitment to sustainable forest management and the success of the new scheme. Following closely is Jammu and Kashmir, where farmers have secured 8,144 permits. Madhya Pradesh contributes significantly with 4,173 permits, showcasing the widespread adoption of the scheme across diverse regions.

The One Nation-One Pass scheme stands as a crucial step towards ensuring sustainable forestry practices in India. The substantial number of permits issued reflects the success of the initiative in streamlining the process of transporting forest products. As the government continues to address pending applications and enhance the efficiency of the National Transit Permit System, the future of forestry management in the country looks promising. The scheme not only benefits the environment by promoting sustainable practices but also supports the livelihoods of those dependent on the forestry sector. With continuous efforts and improvements, One Nation-One Pass is set to become a benchmark for efficient and sustainable resource management nationwide.