New Delhi, June 18 -- The largest potential of creating additional carbon sinks is through restoration of degraded forests, which have impaired in the last 15 to 20 years, along with afforestation of open forests, wastelands and agroforestry, according to the National Mission for Green India document released by the environment ministry on Tuesday. Restoration of natural forests through plantations can contribute up to 60% of the total carbon sink which can be achieved by 2030, the report released on the occasion of World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought by Union environment minister, Bhupender Yadav has said. It is also indicated by the Forest Survey of India evaluation that to bring about an increase in carbon sink (CO2 equivalent billion tonnes) by 2.51 and 3.39 by 2030, as committed by India in its nationally determined contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, a corresponding increase of 18.71 and 24.69 million hectares of enhanced forest and tree cover area would be required respectively. The Green India Mission is being implemented during the 10-year period from 2021 to 2030. A part of these plantation activities have already taken place. Annual afforestation/tree plantation at the current trend of over 2 million hectares should cover another 12 million hectares during 2025-30, the report has said. Ten categories of activities have been considered by FSI for potential increase in carbon sink and forest cover and include afforestation of impaired forests, open forests, wastelands, agroforestry, setting up of green corridors, undertaking plantations along roads and railways on railway sidings, along rivers and canals and creation of urban green spaces. During an event on combating desertification in Jodhpur on Tuesday, Yadav said a significant portion of India's land is facing challenges due to desertification, primarily caused by unsustainable agricultural practices, excessive use of fertilisers like urea, and indiscriminate pesticide application....