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Source: BS
Context:
The Government of India has released its first-ever dedicated publication on forest accounting, highlighting trends in forest cover and condition between 2010-11 and 2021-22. The study, conducted by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), follows the UN System of Environmental Economic Accounts (SEEA) Framework (2018).
Key Findings:
| Category | 2010-11 / 2001-02 | 2021-22 / 2024 | Change | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Forest Area (sq km) | 697,898 | 715,342 | +17,444 (+2.5%) | Net addition over 10 years due to afforestation, reforestation, conservation |
| Very Dense Forests (VDF, >70% canopy) | 83,502 | 102,502 | +19,000 (+22.7%) | Indicates improved forest quality and successful conservation |
| Moderately Dense Forests (MDF, 40–70% canopy) | 318,745 | 307,673 | −11,071 | Decline in medium-density forests |
| Open Forests (OF, 10–40% canopy) | 295,651 | 305,167 | +3.2% | Driven by plantations, natural regeneration, afforestation on degraded lands |
| State-wise Forest Area Growth (sq km) | Net Increase |
|---|---|
| Kerala | +4,137 |
| Karnataka | +3,122 |
| Tamil Nadu | +2,606 |
| Madhya Pradesh & Maharashtra | Significant contribution to national growth |
| Forest Loss & Environmental Impact | Value |
|---|---|
| Primary forest loss (2024) | 18,200 ha (up from 17,700 ha in 2023) |
| Tree cover loss (2001–2024) | 2.31 million ha → 1.29 Gt CO₂ emissions |
| Humid primary forest loss (2002–2024) | 3,48,000 ha (15% of total tree cover loss) |
| Forest Encroachment | Area (sq km) |
|---|---|
| Total area under encroachment | 13,056 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 5,460.9 |
| Assam | 3,620.9 |
| Karnataka | 863.08 |
| Maharashtra | 575.54 |
| Tamil Nadu | 157.68 |
| Encroachment removed | 409.77 |