The India State of Forest Report 2023, recently released by Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav, offers valuable insights into the state of India’s forest and tree resources. This report, meticulously prepared by the Forest Survey of India (FSI), presents a thorough assessment of the country’s forest cover, tree cover, and overall forest health.
Positive Trends in Forest and Tree Cover Growth
India State of Forest Report 2023: One of the key highlights of the report is the remarkable increase in forest and tree cover across India. Since the last assessment in 2021, India’s total forest and tree cover has expanded by 1,445 square kilometers, now encompassing 25.17% of the country’s total geographical area. Specifically, the forest cover has seen a boost of 156 square kilometers, reaching a total of 7,15,343 square kilometers, representing 21.76% of India’s geographical area.
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Moreover, tree cover outside the reserved forest area amounts to 1,12,014 square kilometers, accounting for 3.41% of the geographical area.
India State of Forest Report 2023: Progress in Forest and Tree Cover Expansion
Several states have made significant strides in enhancing their forest and tree cover. States like Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and Rajasthan have shown commendable progress in afforestation and sustainable forest management practices. Leading the pack in total forest and tree cover are states such as Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
Carbon Stock and Climate Change Mitigation
The report also sheds light on the crucial role of India’s forests in carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation. The current carbon stock in Indian forests stands at 7,285.5 million tonnes, indicating an increase of 81.5 million tonnes compared to the 2021 report. This rise is pivotal for India’s commitments under the Paris Agreement, where the country aims to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes by 2030.
India State of Forest Report 2023: Bamboo Cover Expansion
Bamboo cover, an integral component of forest ecosystems, has witnessed a significant increase as well. The total bamboo-bearing area now spans 1,54,670 square kilometers, marking a growth of 5,227 square kilometers since 2021. Bamboo’s role in soil conservation, biodiversity promotion, and rural livelihood sustenance underscores its importance in forest management efforts.
Regional Highlights
When analyzed regionally, Lakshadweep emerges as the region with the highest percentage of forest cover, with 91.33% of its geographical area under forest cover, followed by Mizoram at 85.34% and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands at 81.62%. Kerala stands out for registering the highest growth in forest cover outside recorded forest areas since 2013, reflecting effective state-led initiatives for forest preservation.
Conclusion
The India State of Forest Report 2023 underscores the positive trends in forest and tree cover growth in the country. It emphasizes the need for sustained efforts in forest conservation and sustainable management to meet environmental objectives and enhance people’s quality of life. This report serves as an invaluable resource for policymakers, conservationists, and the public, aiding in better understanding and addressing challenges and opportunities in forest management.
In essence, the India State of Forest Report 2023 paints a promising picture of India’s forest and tree resources, highlighting the country’s commitment to environmental preservation and sustainable development.
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