It was established in 1981 as a successor of Pre-Investment Survey of Forest Resources (PISFR), with the objective of carrying out the assessment of country’s forest resources on a regular interval.
Functions of FSI
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 scales, 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 Forest Departments in forest resources survey, mapping and inventory.
To undertake forestry related special studies and custom made training courses for State Forest Departments and other organizations on project basis.