Forest Cover in India - with special focus on 5 states
India's forests are both diverse and stunning, covering approximately 21% of the nation's total land area. They represent more than mere green spaces; they are ecological treasures, cultural icons, and vital economic assets. These forests have been deeply connected to India's history, providing habitats for countless species and supporting the livelihoods of numerous communities. The biodiversity found in India's forests is truly remarkable, housing over 7% of the world's known species. Among the notable residents are the Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian rhinoceros, elusive snow leopard, and the playful Asiatic lion. These species find refuge in various national parks and wildlife sanctuaries throughout the country.
Owing to the vast forest cover, the timber and wood industry is flourishing, supplying essential materials for construction and furniture. Additionally, forests serve as a treasure trove of medicinal plants, which are fundamental to the ancient Ayurvedic system of medicine. Non-timber forest products such as honey, bamboo, and resins provide economic opportunities for communities that rely on these resources.
A notable aspect of the Indian forest narrative is the harmonious relationship between tribal communities and the forests. Indigenous knowledge and sustainable practices have allowed these communities to utilize forest resources without causing harm. Their methods not only promote sustainability but alsooffer valuable insights for the conservation and preservation of forest ecosystems.
Benefits of Forest Cover
Unique diversity of the forests in India is as below:
The diversity of India's forests reflects the country's varied topography and climate. In the Western Ghats, vibrant tropical rainforests abound with life, while the deciduous forests of central India showcase the stunning beauty of seasonal changes. Along the coastlines, unique mangrove forests, such as the Sundarbans, protect against coastal erosion and support a rich ecosystem. The towering Himalayan range is home to alpine forests, whereas arid regions feature dry forests, each hosting distinct flora and fauna.
Extent of Forest Cover across 5 identified Indian states
According to the latest India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2021, India's total forest cover is 713,789 square kilometers, which accounts for 21.71% of the country's geographical area. This represents an increase of 1,540 square kilometers compared to the ISFR 2019 assessment. The report provides detailed information on forest cover across various states and Union Territories in India.
Further detailing in terms of forest classification is as follows:
The classification of the Forest cover can be understood as follows:
The % change in forest cover in the year 2021 as compared to 2019:
have lower forest cover at 5% and 4% respectively.
Notably, neither Rajasthan nor Punjab has any areas classified as 'very dense' forest.
Additionally, Punjab has experienced a reduction in its forest cover between 2019 and 2021. This decline can be linked to various factors, including developmental activities, the harvesting of short-rotation plantations, urbanization, overexploitation, overgrazing, and the conversion of forest land for other uses.
Measures adopted by State/ Central Governments
Various initiatives are being undertaken by the Central and State Governments, as well as Union Territory Administrations, to enhance forest and tree cover across the country. Key among these are the National Afforestation Programme (NAP) and the Green India Mission (GIM), both of which are managed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The NAP is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme aimed at regenerating degraded forests and surrounding areas. Recently, the NAP has been merged with the GIM.
The National Mission for a Green India (GIM) is one of eight missions outlined in the National Action Plan on Climate Change. Its objectives include protecting, restoring, and increasing India’s forest cover while addressing climate change through plantation activities in both forested and non-forested areas.
Afforestation efforts are also undertaken through various programs and funding sources, including the Compensatory Afforestation Funds managed by the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA), afforestation initiatives under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA), the National Agroforestry Policy and Sub-mission on Agroforestry (SMAF), the National Bamboo Mission, and the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture. Additionally, forest protection is prioritized under the Forest Fire Protection & Management Scheme (FFPM).
In addition to the aforementioned initiatives, State and Union Territory Governments have their own afforestation and reforestation programs. Nearly every state engages in social forestry activities, which primarily concentrate on tree planting in areas outside of designated forests. Furthermore, the State Governments in the Northeastern region conduct awareness programs to educate communities about the drawbacks of shifting cultivation.
The Green India Mission aims to achieve several key objectives:
Greening and afforestation of degraded forest areas and the enhancement of open forests to significantly reduce the impact of climate change on communities living near forest fringes.
Improving forest cover density, focusing on degraded forests, open forests, grasslands, wetlands, under-stocked forests, and urban landscapes.
Enhancing the productivity of dense and very dense forests.
Establishing institutional frameworks for effective implementation of the program, along with comprehensive monitoring and evaluation systems.Village Forest Committees formed for the National Afforestation Programme will play a crucial role in this process.
Emphasizing carbon sequestration and multiple ecosystem services, particularly in areas such as biodiversity, water, and biomass.
Promoting fuel-use efficiency and alternative energy sources for households within project areas.
Improving the livelihoods of community households living in and around forest regions.
In accordance with the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, as well as its associated rules and guidelines, efforts are made to plant a mixture of local indigenous species whenever possible, avoiding monoculture practices. States are also focused on planting native species in areas designated for compensatory afforestation to maintain biodiversity.
State governments have initiated several programs in this regard. For example, Odisha has launched the Trees Outside Forests in India (TOFI) program, developed by the state's Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Department in collaboration with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The initiative aims to enhance carbon sequestration, support local communities, and strengthen agricultural resilience to climate change. TOFI seeks to unite farmers, businesses, and other private organizations to rapidly increase tree coverage outside traditional forest areas within the state.
The Karnataka Forest Department launched the 'Krushi Aranya Protsaha Yojane (KAPY)' program in 2011-12 to encourage farmers and the general public to increase forest and tree cover. The program provides subsidized seedlings to farmers for planting on their lands. Farmers are paid an incentive of Rs 35 for every surviving seedling at the end of the first year, Rs 40 after the completion of the second year, and Rs 50 after the completion of the third year. This is done to encourage the farmers to nurture the seedlings for at least three years. The incentive is quite substantial when the farmer plants more seedlings. In addition to the financial incentive, the farmers are entitled to get handsome returns from the grown-up trees in the form of fruits, seeds, fodder, firewood, pole, timber, and other useful products.
To enhance green cover in Rajasthan, the government has announced plans to plant 70 million trees as part of a large-scale plantation initiative. An investment of ₹4,000 crore will be made over five years under the Mission Hariyalo Rajasthan. Additionally, to mitigate pollution and carbon emissions in tiger reserves like Ranthambore and Sariska, the government will implement an electric vehicle (EV) transport system. A budget of ₹20 crore has been allocated for tiger habitats across five tiger project areas, and ₹40 crore will be dedicated to establishing a forest and wildlife training and management institute in Jhalana, Jaipur.
Similarly, the Punjab Forest Policy 2019 emphasizes minimizing commercial exploitation of forest resources on state forest land while enhancing intangible benefits such as environmental, ecological, socio-cultural, and regulatory functions. The Green India Mission in Punjab focuses on protecting, restoring, and increasing forest cover while addressing climate change through plantation activities in both forested and non-forested areas. Significant funds have been allocated to Punjab for afforestation activities under various programs and schemes from the Line Ministry, including the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, National Bamboo Mission, and Sub-Mission on Agroforestry. The Crop Diversification through Agroforestry (CDAF) scheme has the potential to be a major initiative in a state facing declining groundwater levels of 80-90 cm annually in many areas. This scheme allows farmers to convert part of their land to agroforestry, which can significantly conserve groundwater essential for their livelihoods.
Impact of Initiatives taken in India to conserve Forests-
India’s forest cover is likely to increase over the next 20 years and enhance the country’s capacity to absorb earth-warming carbon dioxide by 11 per cent. India appears to have already stabilised its forest cover despite pressures from human and livestock population and low per capita forest cover. The researchers have attributed India’s stabilisation of forest cover to the Forest Conservation Act of 1980 that was designed to reduce indiscriminate diversion of forest land for non-forestry activities and regulate land under forests.
Conclusion
Forests supply water, provide livelihoods, mitigate climate change and are essential for sustainable food production. Yet deforestation and forest degradation continue at alarming rates. It is essential to reverse the loss of forests and their biodiversity for the benefit of current and future generations.
