India State of Forest Report 2023 Released

India State of Forest Report 2023 Released

Analysis:

1. The India State of Forest Report 2023 (ISFR 2023) was released by the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, at the Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun.
2. The report is published by the Forest Survey of India (FSI) on a biennial basis since 1987 and the 2023 edition is the 18th report in the series.
3. ISFR is prepared using remote sensing satellite data along with field-based National Forest Inventory (NFI), providing a comprehensive assessment of forest and tree resources in India.
4. As per ISFR 2023, India’s total forest and tree cover stands at 8,27,357 sq km, which is 25.17% of the country’s geographical area.
5. The total forest cover is 7,15,343 sq km (21.76%), while tree cover outside forests accounts for 1,12,014 sq km (3.41%).
6. Compared to the 2021 assessment, there is a net increase of 1,445 sq km in forest and tree cover, indicating a positive trend in green cover expansion.
7. Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and Rajasthan recorded the highest increase in combined forest and tree cover, while Mizoram, Gujarat, and Odisha showed the maximum increase in forest cover alone.
8. Madhya Pradesh continues to have the largest forest and tree cover by area, followed by Arunachal Pradesh and Maharashtra.
9. In percentage terms, Lakshadweep has the highest forest cover relative to its geographical area, followed by Mizoram and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
10. The report highlights progress in carbon sequestration, with India achieving 2.29 billion tonnes of additional carbon sink compared to 2005 levels, nearing its NDC target for 2030.
11. ISFR 2023 also provides critical data on mangroves, bamboo resources, growing stock, forest fires, agroforestry, and carbon stock, making it a key reference for policy formulation and environmental governance.

Background / Static Part (India State of Forest Report – ISFR):

• Published by: Forest Survey of India (FSI)
• Frequency: Biennial
• First Report: 1987
• Methodology:
  • Remote sensing satellite imagery
  • National Forest Inventory (field-based)
• Covers data on:
  • Forest cover and tree cover
  • Mangroves and bamboo resources
  • Growing stock and timber potential
  • Forest fires and agroforestry
  • Carbon stock and climate commitments
• Significance:
  • Monitoring forest health
  • Supporting climate action and NDCs
  • Assisting policymakers, researchers, and state forest departments

Updated – 21 December 2024; 1:36 PM | PIBNews Source:

Press Information Bureau (PIB)