According to India’s Forest Report 2023, the total forest and tree cover in the country stands at 827,357 square kilometers, which constitutes approximately 25.17% of India's geographical area. This report serves as a crucial indicator of the nation's environmental health and its efforts towards sustainable development.
Madhya Pradesh emerges as the leader in forest cover, with an impressive 85,724 square kilometers. It is followed closely by Arunachal Pradesh, which boasts 67,083 square kilometers, and Maharashtra with 65,383 square kilometers. These states play a pivotal role in contributing to the overall forest area in India.
The report highlights that India has achieved a carbon sequestration level of 2.29 billion tonnes. The target set for 2030 is between 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes, demonstrating significant progress toward fulfilling climate obligations under the Paris Agreement.
Despite the positive statistics, the report raises concerns about the degradation of natural forests. Over the past decade, more than 92,000 square kilometers of dense forests have transitioned into open forests, indicating a troubling ecological imbalance and a decline in forest quality.
A major portion of the increase in forest growth can be attributed to plantations and agroforestry, with 149.13 square kilometers out of 156.41 square kilometers of growth linked to these practices. This shift emphasizes the importance of managed forests in contributing to overall forest area.
Unfortunately, mangrove ecosystems have not fared well, recording a net decrease of 7.43 square kilometers nationally. States such as Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh have experienced the most significant losses, raising alarms about the health of these critical ecosystems.
The Western Ghats, recognized as a biodiversity hotspot, have lost 58.22 square kilometers of forest cover. While there has been an increase in dense forest cover by 3,465.12 square kilometers, the region has faced considerable losses in open forest areas.
The reliance on plantations coupled with the degradation of natural forests underscores the urgent need for policy interventions. Balancing ecological conservation with developmental activities is essential for sustainable forest management.
The report emphasizes the importance of improved decision-making and greater citizen engagement. Making data publicly accessible can significantly enhance forest management and restoration efforts across the country.
India's forest cover is crucial in meeting the nationally determined contribution (NDC) targets. By increasing forest and tree cover, the country aims to further reduce emissions and enhance carbon sequestration by 2030.
The bamboo-bearing areas in India have seen a notable increase of 5,227 square kilometers, totaling 154,670 square kilometers in 2023. This growth reflects the positive impact of agroforestry initiatives over the past decade.
Experts recommend integrating ecological restoration with community participation. Additionally, monitoring forest health through scientific tools and reducing dependency on monoculture plantations are vital for improving forest quality.
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