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India has demonstrated exceptional progress in its environmental efforts, as highlighted in the State of Forest Report (SFR) 2023, released by Bhupendra Yadav, Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. The report comprehensively analyses the nation’s forest and tree cover, showcasing a steady increase in green areas despite challenges. These findings underscore India’s commitment to preserving biodiversity, combating climate change, and fostering sustainable development.
A Green Milestone
The SFR 2023 marks a significant achievement for India. It finds that forest and tree cover now cover 8,27,357 square kilometres of the country’s total geographical area, translating into 25.17% of the total geographical area. This is a net increase of 1,445 sq km over the 2021 report, with 156 sq km added to the forest areas and 1,289 sq km to the tree cover. The growth reflects a combination of state-led initiatives, community participation, and policy frameworks that prioritise environmental preservation.
The implications of this landmark go beyond numbers. Forests are essential for maintaining ecological balance, facilitating the water cycle, and protecting diverse flora and fauna. Therefore, these developments are environmentally significant but have social and economic relevance in India, where a substantial portion of its population depends on forests for their livelihoods.
Forest Cover: The Highlights
The report highlights significant regional contributions to the growing forest cover. The largest forested area is in Madhya Pradesh, which has an impressive 77,493 sq km. Arunachal Pradesh follows closely with a forest area of 66,586 sq km, while Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Maharashtra also contribute significant green spaces.
Regarding proportional forest cover, Lakshadweep is at the forefront, with an astonishing 90.95% of its total geographical area under forests. The northeastern states, such as Mizoram, Manipur, and Nagaland, also have high percentages, indicating the region’s importance in maintaining India’s biodiversity. These states maintain traditional forest ecosystems and contribute significantly to carbon sequestration and water conservation efforts.
Mangroves: Resilient Coastal Guardians
The report shows a modest yet significant increase in mangrove cover, which has increased by 4 sq km since the last survey. India’s mangroves now extend over 4,992 sq km and form an integral part of the country’s coastal ecosystem. They provide a natural barrier against coastal erosion, storm surges, and rising sea levels and serve as nurseries for several marine species.
West Bengal still leads in mangrove conservation, with 42.31% of India’s total mangrove cover. The Sundarbans, a UNESCO-accredited World Heritage Site, has contributed to its success. Targeted policy measures are necessary for such success. States such as Gujarat and Maharashtra have supported the expansion of mangroves across their boundaries, demonstrating that a healthy mangrove ecosystem cannot stand alone.
Regional Achievements
Forest and tree cover growth is not uniform across India but varies based on regional characteristics and conservation priorities. Madhya Pradesh’s expansive forest landscapes make it a leader in absolute terms, while Arunachal Pradesh and Chhattisgarh maintain their green legacy through robust afforestation efforts.
Special mention goes to the northeastern region, which has made significant contributions despite its smaller geographical size. States like Mizoram and Nagaland are a testament to integrating traditional knowledge systems with modern conservation techniques. Urban centres such as Telangana and Delhi have also demonstrated innovative approaches to increase tree cover within city limits, marking a shift toward greener urban landscapes.
Carbon Stock: A Climate Win
One of the most encouraging findings of the SFR 2023 is the rise in India’s carbon stock, which has increased by 81.5 million tonnes since the 2021 report. Forests play a critical role in carbon sequestration by absorbing atmospheric carbon dioxide and storing it in biomass and soil. This mitigates greenhouse gas emissions and positions forests as natural allies in combating climate change.
The estimated 7,204 million tonnes now represent India’s total carbon stock, which indicates that Indian forests offer great carbon sink capacity. This comes in response to India’s commitments at international levels; through agreements like the Paris Accord, India agreed to add 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of carbon sinks by the end of 2030.
Forest Management: A Multi-Dimensional Effort
The success of the SFR 2023 has been achieved through a combination of strategic policy initiatives and local-level actions. National programs like the Green India Mission and Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) have significantly enhanced afforestation and reforestation efforts. Such schemes focus on recovering degraded land, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable forest resource management.
Technological improvements have further enhanced forest management. Satellite imagery and geospatial tools allow for proper monitoring of forest health status, identifying threats such as illegal logging, and providing action data to policymakers. Community involvement, mainly through joint forest management programs, has empowered local populations to take ownership of conservation efforts.
The State of Forest Report 2023 is a testament to India’s environmental commitment. Increased forest and tree cover, improved mangrove areas, and enhanced carbon stock indicate growth supporting global ecological missions. Such successes are hard-won and come after continuous efforts at the three levels-national, state, and local.
As India continues celebrating these milestones, the journey ahead requires sustained momentum. Strategic interventions, innovative technologies, and strengthened community engagement will be critical to overcoming challenges and ensuring the long-term vitality of India’s forests. This report highlights past successes and maps out the roadmap for future environmental stewardship so that India’s green legacy will continue to flourish for generations to come.
References:
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2086742
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1947426
https://fsi.nic.in/forest-report-2023
Image source: https://x.com/ForestSurvey/status/1870861555237376483/photo/1
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Photo by Arnaud Mesureur on Unsplash
