The Indian State Forest Report of 2021 stands as a comprehensive testament to the state of India’s rich and diverse forest ecosystems. Produced through meticulous data collection and analysis, this report serves as a crucial tool for understanding the country’s forest cover, biodiversity, and the various challenges and opportunities facing forest management. With India’s forests playing a pivotal role in environmental conservation, livelihood support, and carbon sequestration, the insights gleaned from this report are indispensable for policymakers, conservationists, researchers, and stakeholders alike. As we delve into the intricate details presented within, we gain not only a deeper appreciation for the natural heritage of India but also invaluable guidance towards sustainable forest management practices for the future.
INDIAN STATE FOREST REPORT
- The Biennial Indian State of Forest Report (ISFR) conducts a comprehensive survey of India’s forests and tree resources.
- The inaugural report was launched in 1987, with subsequent editions being released every two years.
- The responsibility for publishing the ISFR lies with the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
- The most recent iteration of the India State of Forest Report was issued in 2021, providing detailed insights into the forest cover and tree resources at the state, zone, and national levels.
INDIAN STATE FOREST REPORT 2021
- The Indian State of Forest Report 2021, conducted by the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC), marks the 17th biennial assessment of India’s forests.
- Released in 2021, the ISFR provides the latest and comprehensive data on both ‘Forest cover’ and ‘Tree cover’ in the country.
- Additionally, the report offers estimates related to growing stock, the extent of trees outside forests, mangrove cover, bamboo resources, and assessments of forest carbon stocks.
- The chapter dedicated to forest carbon assessment also evaluates India’s progress in meeting its commitments outlined in the Nationally Determined Contributions.
NEW FEATURES
- The Indian State of Forest Report 2021 features a special chapter titled “Forest Cover Assessment in Tiger Reserves and Tiger Corridor Areas of the Country and Decadal Change in Forest Cover,” which is an addition to the standard chapters.
- In this edition, two special studies are incorporated: one on “Above Ground Biomass Estimation Using Synthetic Aperture Radar Data” conducted in collaboration with ISRO, and another on “Climate Hot Spots in Forest Areas Studies.”
- Furthermore, a dedicated chapter outlines the new initiatives undertaken by the Forest Survey of India (FSI) team in the preceding two years.
- Notably, this report presents a comprehensive assessment of forest cover in tiger reserves, tiger corridors, and the Gir forest, which houses the Asiatic lion. This marks the first-time inclusion of such evaluations in the Indian State of Forest Report.
FOREST COVER
Encompassing the ground, the forest canopy area extends beyond the legal land status. This classification includes all patches of trees with a canopy density exceeding 10% and an area of 1 ha or more.
MAJOR FINDINGS
Increase in Total Forest and Tree Cover:
- Overall Growth: The total forest and tree cover in India have expanded by 2,261 sq km since the 2019 assessment (ISFR-2019).
- Forest vs. Tree Cover: The increase comprises 1,540 sq km in forest cover and 721 sq km in tree cover.
- National Coverage: The combined forest and tree cover now spans 80.9 million hectares, accounting for 24.62% of the country’s total geographical area.
Increase in Forest Cover (Top States):
- Top Performers: Andhra Pradesh (647 sq km), Telangana (632 sq km), and Odisha (632 sq km) lead in increased forest cover.
- Area-wise Forest Cover: Madhya Pradesh holds the largest forest cover in India, followed by Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Maharashtra.
Percentage-wise Forest Cover:
- Top States (% Coverage):
- Mizoram (84.53%)
- Arunachal Pradesh (79.33%)
- Meghalaya (76.00%)
- Manipur (74.34%)
- Nagaland (73.90%)
States/ UTs with more than one-third area under Forest Cover:
- High Coverage: Seventeen states/UTs have over 33% of their land under forest cover.
- Over 75%: Lakshadweep, Mizoram, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya.
- 33% to 75%: Twelve states/UTs, including Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, Goa, Kerala, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, Assam, and Odisha.
Increase in Mangrove Cover:
- Mangrove Expansion: Mangrove cover has grown by 17 sq km since 2019, with Odisha (8 sq km), Maharashtra (4 sq km), and Karnataka leading the increase.
Total Carbon Stock:
- Carbon Stock Increase: India’s carbon stock has risen by 79.4 million tonnes since 2019, with an annual increase of 39.7 million tonnes. The total forest carbon stock is projected to be 7,204 million tonnes.
Bamboo Forests:
- Bamboo Growth: Bamboo forests have surged from 13,882 million culms (stems) in 2019 to 53,336 million culms in 2021.
Forest Fires in India:
- Vulnerability to Fires: Forest fires pose a threat to 35.46% of India’s forest cover, with 2.81% being extremely vulnerable, 7.85% very highly vulnerable, and 11.51% highly vulnerable.
Climate Change Hotspots in Indian Forests:
- Future Challenges: By 2030, climate change may adversely affect 45-64% of Indian forests. Ladakh is identified as highly susceptible.
Forest Cover in Tiger Reserve Areas:
- New Tiger Reserve Assessment: A dedicated chapter on forest cover in Tiger Reserves reveals a 22.62 sq km decline across 52 reserves. Buxa (West Bengal) leads in increased forest cover (238.80 sq km), while Anamalai (Tamil Nadu) and Indravati (Chhattisgarh) follow.
- Mixed Trends: Twenty tiger reserves have shown growth, while the remaining 32 are experiencing reduction, ranging from 0.06 sq km in Orang, Assam, to 118.97 sq km in Kawal, Telangana.
ISFR – SIGNIFICANCE
Government Utilization:
- Central and State Governments: The ISFR is a crucial information source for both the central and state governments, providing essential data for informed decision-making in forestry-related matters.
- State Forest Departments: State forest departments rely on the ISFR to enhance their understanding of forest cover and associated dynamics.
Professional Reference:
- Forestry Professionals: The report is widely used by forestry professionals as a primary reference, aiding in their research, analysis, and day-to-day activities.
- Academics: Academic institutions leverage the ISFR for research purposes, contributing to a deeper understanding of forest ecosystems and biodiversity.
Policy Development and Planning:
The ISFR plays a pivotal role in the formulation of forest policies, guiding planning initiatives at various levels. It provides a comprehensive view of the state of forests in the country, aiding in the development of effective strategies for sustainable forestry management.
- Investment Decisions: The report influences investment decisions related to the forestry sector, contributing to the allocation of resources for conservation, afforestation, and related activities.
- Educational Resource:
- Students and Academics: The ISFR serves as a valuable educational resource for students and academics interested in natural resource management, offering rich data for analysis and study.
- International Reporting: The ISFR fulfills India’s reporting obligations to various international organizations, conventions, and commitments.
- International Organizations: Data from the report is shared with international organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
- Climate Change Commitments: The report aids in meeting reporting requirements under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), providing insights into India’s efforts in addressing climate change.
- Biodiversity Commitments: The ISFR contributes to India’s commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), offering detailed information on biodiversity and ecosystems.
FAQs – Indian State of Forest Report (ISFR)
1. What is the Indian State of Forest Report (ISFR)?
A: The ISFR is a biennial survey conducted by the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to comprehensively assess India’s forests and tree resources.
2. When was the first ISFR released, and how often is it published?
A: The inaugural ISFR was launched in 1987, and subsequent editions are released every two years.
3. Who is responsible for publishing the ISFR?
A: The responsibility for publishing the ISFR lies with the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
4. What does the ISFR 2021 cover?
A: The ISFR 2021 provides detailed insights into the ‘Forest cover’ and ‘Tree cover’ of India, along with information on growing stock, trees outside forests, mangrove cover, bamboo resources, and forest carbon stocks.
5. What are the new features in ISFR 2021?
A: ISFR 2021 introduces a special chapter on “Forest Cover Assessment in Tiger Reserves and Tiger Corridor Areas” and includes two special studies on biomass estimation and climate hotspots in forest areas.
6. How does ISFR contribute to policymaking and planning?
A: The report plays a crucial role in formulating forest policies, guiding planning initiatives, and influencing investment decisions related to India’s forestry sector.
7. What are the major findings of ISFR 2021 regarding forest and tree cover?
A: The total forest and tree cover increased by 2,261 sq km since 2019, with 1,540 sq km attributed to forest cover and 721 sq km to tree cover. The combined cover now constitutes 24.62% of India’s geographical area.
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