The Indian State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, published by the Forest Survey of India (FSI), reveals modest progress in the country’s forest landscape. India’s forest cover grew by 156 sq km, while tree cover saw a more significant rise of 1,289 sq km since 2021. For the first time, the nation’s green cover crossed the 25% threshold, with 25.17% of the land now under forest (21.76%) and tree (3.41%) cover.
Forest and Tree Cover Trends
Tree cover, consisting of patches smaller than 1 hectare, has shown remarkable recovery. It increased from 2.91% in 2021 to 3.41% in 2023, marking the sharpest growth in two decades. Conversely, forest cover, defined as patches over 1 hectare with at least 10% canopy density, has seen slower growth, reflecting a decelerating trend since the early 2000s.
Forests are classified based on canopy density:
- Very Dense Forests (VDF): >70% canopy
- Moderately Dense Forests (MDF): 40-70% canopy
- Open Forests (OF): 10-40% canopy
Dense forests continue to degrade, with 3,913 sq km lost between 2021 and 2023. Over the past two decades, India has lost a total of 24,651 sq km of dense forests, equivalent to nearly half the size of Punjab.
Plantation Gains
To offset losses, plantations have played a crucial role. Between 2003 and 2023, 15,530 sq km of non-forested or sparsely forested areas were converted into dense forests. However, plantations often lack biodiversity, are prone to pests and fire, and hinder the regeneration of natural forests.
Concerns Over Natural Forest Replacement
Experts have criticized the replacement of biodiverse natural forests with monoculture plantations. Unlike natural forests, plantations store less carbon, support fewer species, and may undermine long-term climate goals. The UNFCCC has raised concerns about India’s assumption that plantations achieve carbon parity with mature forests within eight years.
Conclusion
ISFR-2023 highlights a mixed narrative: while green cover is growing, the loss of natural forests poses ecological challenges. Balancing afforestation with biodiversity conservation remains critical for sustainable development and climate resilience.
Reference- The Hindu article, Indian State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, National Geographic, UNFCCC website