The forest s friends, Van Mitra has been formed in the U.T. with the cooperation of people and the forest department to save the forest and wildlife. The Van Mitra Scheme is a community-based plantation program aimed at increasing green cover and supporting environmental conservation, particularly on non-forest lands. Under the scheme, registered individuals are motivated to plant and maintain tree saplings. Using geo-tagging, photographs, and online monitoring, the scheme promotes transparency and accountability in large-scale plantation efforts.

The scheme strengthens forest and environmental protection by directly involving local communities in greening activities, reducing pressure on natural forests, and expanding vegetation cover across landscapes. Community participation builds a sense of ownership and responsibility toward protecting plantations, which is crucial for sustaining conservation efforts. By improving green cover, enhancing local ecosystems, the Van Mitra Scheme acts as a practical bridge between forest departments and the public for long-term ecological restoration

Expected Function of the Forest Friends

• To protect the forest and explain the importance of the forest to the people.
• To enrich the forest areas and conserve its ecosystem value.
• To keep an eye to stop illegal activities in the forest.
• To bring awareness among people about forest and wildlife importance.
• To encourage people living around the forest and the forest department to work in harmony to develop and enrich the forest.
• To choose places for planting of trees according to the needs of the people in the forest and provide information on what type of trees to plant and their values.