India's Forests Flourish: Over 16,000 sq km Added in a Decade
India's forest and tree cover increased by over 16,000 square kilometres in a decade, reaching 25.17% of the country's geographical area. This growth is attributed to sustained conservation efforts and government schemes. The 2023 ISFR report highlights a continuing upward trend in forest cover across India.
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India has seen a substantial growth in its forest cover, with an increase of 16,630.25 square kilometres over the past decade, the Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Kirti Vardhan Singh, reported to the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.
According to the latest India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, the total forest and tree cover in India now stands at 8,27,356.95 square kilometres, which accounts for 25.17% of the nation's total geographical area. This includes 7,15,342.61 square kilometres under forest cover and 1,12,014.34 square kilometres under tree cover.
The minister highlighted that since the last assessment in 2021, there has been a net increase of 1,445.81 square kilometres. Singh attributed this growth to the conservation efforts by states, Union Territories, and central government initiatives. The Centre supports these efforts with schemes like the National Mission for a Green India and the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign, among others.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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