India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023

India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023

Why in the News?

The Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, recently unveiled the ‘India State of Forest Report 2023’ (ISFR 2023) at the Forest Research Institute in Dehradun.

Background

  • Purpose: The ISFR provides a scientific and systematic assessment of India’s forest and tree cover.
  • Publication: Released every two years by the Forest Survey of India (FSI), under the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change.
  • First Report: Published in 1987.

How is the Data Collected?

  • Methodology: Data is gathered using remote sensing satellites through wall-to-wall mapping of forest cover.
  • Forest Categories:
    • Very Dense Forests: Canopy density above 70%.
    • Moderately Dense Forests: Canopy density between 40%-70%.
    • Open Forests: Canopy density of 10%-40%.
    • Scrubs: Canopy density below 10%.
  • Definitions:
    • Forest Cover: Areas over 1 hectare with a tree canopy density of 10% or more.
    • Tree Cover: Tree patches outside recorded forest areas, smaller than 1 hectare.

Significance: The data aids in policy-making for forest management, agroforestry, and related sectors.

Key Highlights of ISFR 2023

Forest and Tree Cover Statistics

  • Total Forest and Tree Cover: 827,357 sq. km (25.17% of India’s geographical area).
    • Forest Cover: 715,343 sq. km (21.76%).
    • Tree Cover: 112,014 sq. km (3.41%).

Increase in Forest and Tree Cover

  • Overall Increase: 1,445 sq. km since 2021.
    • Forest Cover: Increased by 156 sq. km.
    • Tree Cover: Increased by 1,289 sq. km.

Top-Performing States

  • Forest and Tree Cover Growth:
    • Chhattisgarh: 684 sq. km.
    • Uttar Pradesh and Odisha: 559 sq. km each.
    • Rajasthan: 394 sq. km.
  • Forest Cover Growth:
    • Mizoram: 242 sq. km.
    • Gujarat: 180 sq. km.
    • Odisha: 152 sq. km.
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State-Wise Leaders in Total Forest and Tree Cover

  • Madhya Pradesh: 85,724 sq. km.
  • Arunachal Pradesh: 67,083 sq. km.
  • Maharashtra: 65,383 sq. km.

Highest Forest Cover by Percentage

  • Lakshadweep: 91.33%.
  • Mizoram: 85.34%.
  • Andaman & Nicobar Islands: 81.62%.

Significant Environmental Resources

  • Mangrove Cover: 4,992 sq. km.
  • Bamboo-Bearing Area: Increased by 5,227 sq. km, now totalling 154,670 sq. km.
  • Growing Stock: Increased by 262 million cubic meters.
  • Timber Production Potential: Estimated at 91.51 million cubic meters annually.

Carbon Stock and Sequestration

  • Current Carbon Stock: 7,285.5 million tonnes, marking an 81.5 million tonne increase.
  • Achievement: India has surpassed its NDC target, reaching 30.43 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent, exceeding the 2030 goal of an additional 2.29 billion tonnes.

States with Significant Forest Cover

  • Over 33% Forest Cover: 19 states/UTs.
  • Over 75% Forest Cover: 8 states, including Mizoram, Lakshadweep, and Arunachal Pradesh.

Technological Advancements

  • Forest Fire Management: Real-time fire alerts and forest fire services provided by the FSI improve monitoring and management.

What is the India State of Forest Report (ISFR)?

The India State of Forest Report (ISFR) is a biennial publication that provides a comprehensive assessment of India’s forest and tree cover. It is prepared by the Forest Survey of India under the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change.

When was the first ISFR published?

The first ISFR was published in 1987.

How is data for the ISFR collected?

Data is collected through wall-to-wall mapping of forest cover using remote sensing satellites. It is categorized into very dense forests, moderately dense forests, open forests, and scrubs.

What is the definition of forest cover in the ISFR?

Forest cover refers to areas over 1 hectare in size with a tree canopy density of 10% or more.

What is the definition of tree cover in the ISFR?

Tree cover includes tree patches outside recorded forest areas that are smaller than 1 hectare.

What is the total forest and tree cover reported in ISFR 2023?

The total forest and tree cover in 2023 is 827,357 sq. km, which accounts for 25.17% of India’s geographical area.

Has there been an increase in forest and tree cover since the previous report?

Yes, there has been a total increase of 1,445 sq. km since 2021. Forest cover grew by 156 sq. km, while tree cover expanded by 1,289 sq. km.

Which states recorded the highest increase in forest and tree cover in 2023?

Forest and tree cover: Chhattisgarh (684 sq. km), Uttar Pradesh (559 sq. km), Odisha (559 sq. km), and Rajasthan (394 sq. km).
Forest cover: Mizoram (242 sq. km), Gujarat (180 sq. km), and Odisha (152 sq. km).

Which states have the highest total forest and tree cover?

The states with the highest total forest and tree cover are Madhya Pradesh (85,724 sq. km), Arunachal Pradesh (67,083 sq. km), and Maharashtra (65,383 sq. km).

What is the current mangrove cover in India?

India’s mangrove cover stands at 4,992 sq. km.

How has bamboo-bearing area changed in 2023?

The bamboo-bearing area increased by 5,227 sq. km, bringing the total to 154,670 sq. km.

What is India’s current carbon stock in forests?

India’s forests have a carbon stock of 7,285.5 million tonnes, reflecting an increase of 81.5 million tonnes.

Has India achieved its NDC target for carbon sequestration?

Yes, India has surpassed its NDC target by reaching 30.43 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent, exceeding the 2030 goal of an additional 2.29 billion tonnes.

How many states/UTs have over 33% of their geographical area under forest cover?

Nineteen states and Union Territories have over 33% of their geographical area under forest cover.

Which states have more than 75% forest cover?

Eight states, including Mizoram, Lakshadweep, and Arunachal Pradesh, have over 75% forest cover.

How does the ISFR support forest management?

The ISFR aids in planning and policymaking for forest management, forestry, and agroforestry sectors. It also facilitates sustainable development initiatives.

What technological advancements are included in ISFR 2023?

The report highlights real-time fire alerts and forest fire services provided by the Forest Survey of India to enhance forest management.

Why is ISFR significant for India?

The ISFR is critical for understanding forest dynamics, supporting environmental conservation, and meeting global commitments like carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation.

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