India's forest and tree cover expanded by 1,445 sq km between 2021 and 2023, accounting for 25.17 per cent of the nation's geographical area, according to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, released on Saturday.
The report revealed that the country has achieved an additional carbon sink of 2.29 billion tonnes compared to 2005 levels, as part of its commitment under the Paris Agreement to create a carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes by 2030.
The nation's total forest cover now stands at 7,15,343 sq km, constituting 21.76 per cent of its geographical area, while tree cover expanded by 1,289 sq km, comprising 3.41 per cent. Together, forest and tree cover amount to 8,27,357 sq km, marking an overall increase of 1,445 sq km since 2021.
As per the Forest Survey of India (FSI), forest cover includes areas with a tree canopy density of over 10 per cent, spanning at least one hectare.
This category comprises natural forests, plantations, orchards, and urban green spaces.
Tree cover refers to isolated tree patches and clusters under one hectare in size outside Reserved Forest Areas (RFAs).
Regional achievements
Amongst states, Chhattisgarh (+684 sq km), Uttar Pradesh (+559 sq km), Odisha (+559 sq km), and Rajasthan (+394 sq km) recorded the most significant combined gains in forest and tree cover.
In terms of forest cover alone, Mizoram (+242 sq km), Gujarat (+180 sq km), and Odisha (+152 sq km) registered the largest increases.
Madhya Pradesh retained its position as the state with the largest forest and tree cover, totalling 85,724 sq km, followed by Arunachal Pradesh (67,083 sq km) and Maharashtra (65,383 sq km).
When viewed as a percentage of geographical area, Lakshadweep topped the list with 91.33 per cent, trailed by Mizoram (85.34 per cent) and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (81.62 per cent).
Carbon stock, bamboo cover, and mangroves
India's carbon stock, a crucial component of its climate resilience efforts, rose to 7,285.5 million tonnes, an increase of 81.5 million tonnes since 2021. The nation is projected to possess a total carbon stock of 31.71 billion tonnes in forest and tree cover by 2030.
The bamboo-bearing area grew by 5,227 sq km, now standing at 1,54,670 sq km, a significant boost for rural economies and ecosystems. However, mangrove cover saw a marginal decline of 7.43 sq km, totalling 4,991.68 sq km.
Challenges persist
The report highlighted an overall loss of 58.22 sq km in forest cover in the Western Ghats and Eastern States Area over the past decade.
While very dense forests increased by 3,465.12 sq km, moderately dense forests and open forests declined by 1,043.23 sq km and 2,480.11 sq km, respectively.
The northeastern region recorded a decrease of 327.30 sq km, though it still accounts for 67 per cent of its geographical area with 1,74,394.70 sq km under forest and tree cover.
The National Forest Policy 1988 mandates that 33 per cent of the country's land area should be under forest or tree cover—a target yet to be achieved.
Government's response
Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav remarked, "The most positive finding of the report is that India has already created an additional carbon sink of 2.29 billion tonnes compared to 2005 levels."
FSI Director General Anoop Singh added that bamboo cover was included in the tree cover estimates, underscoring its importance.
The ISFR, initiated in 1987, remains a vital tool in evaluating India's green cover amidst growing concerns about climate change and environmental sustainability.
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