NEW DELHI: Indiaโs total forest and tree cover has increased to 25.17% in 2023, up from 24.62% as per the latest India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023. The report highlights a minimal increase in forest cover compared to tree cover, with trees grown under agroforestry being covered for the first time.
The ISFR 2023 report recorded that the combined forest and tree cover stands at 25.17% of the countryโs geographical area. This includes a total forest cover of 7,15,342.61 sq km making up 21.76% of the geographical area and a tree cover of 3.41%. The total forest and tree cover combined is 8,27,356.95 sq km.
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Additionally, the report notes that scrub areas cover 43,622 sq km (1.33%) while non-forest areas account for 24,16,489 sq km (73.50%) of the countryโs geographical area.
Several states have shown positive growth in forest and tree cover. Chhattisgarh (684 sq km), Uttar Pradesh (559 sq km), Odisha (559 sq km), Rajasthan (394 sq km), and Jharkhand have added to their green cover. Conversely, some states have seen a reduction in their forest and tree cover, including Madhya Pradesh (612.41 sq km), Karnataka (459.36 sq km), Nagaland Ladakh (159.26 sq km) and Nagaland (125.22 sq km).
The 18th biennial assessment of Indiaโs forests by the Forest Survey of India was delayed by over a year and was initially supposed to be released last year. The report provides a comprehensive estimation of growing stock, the extent of trees outside forests, mangrove cover, bamboo resources, and an assessment of forest carbon stock.
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According to the ISFR 2021 report, the total forest and tree cover was 24.62%. The total forest cover was 7,13,789 sq km (21.71% of the geographical area), and the tree cover was 2.91% of the geographical area. The new report shows a slight increase in both forest and tree cover, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance green cover across the nation.
Indiaโs increase in forest and tree cover as recorded in the ISFR 2023 report signifies a positive step towards environmental sustainability. The addition of agroforestry trees and the slight growth in forest and tree cover highlight the countryโs commitment to preserving its natural resources. However, the reduction in green cover in certain states underscores the need for continued efforts and strategies to promote afforestation and reforestation.
