Introduction
The India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023 is a vital document released by the Forest Survey of India (FSI) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. This biennial report provides detailed information on the state of forests and tree cover in the country, offering insights into biodiversity, forest management, and ecological trends. For UPSC aspirants, understanding the ISFR is crucial for topics related to environment, ecology, and sustainable development in the General Studies paper, as well as for the Indian Forest Service examination.
Key Highlights of ISFR 2023
1. Forest Cover and Tree Cover
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Forest Cover: As per ISFR 2023, India’s total forest cover stands at 7,14,249 square kilometers, constituting 21.73% of the geographical area.
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Tree Cover: The tree cover in India is 2.91% of the total geographical area, amounting to 95,748 square kilometers.
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Increase/Decrease: The report highlights a net increase of 1,540 square kilometers in forest and tree cover compared to the 2021 assessment.
2. State-wise Distribution
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Top States in Forest Cover: Madhya Pradesh has the largest forest cover, followed by Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Maharashtra.
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Highest Forest Cover as Percentage of Geographical Area: Mizoram (84.53%), Arunachal Pradesh (79.33%), and Meghalaya (76%) lead.
3. Forest Density Classification
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Very Dense Forests (VDF): Covering 2.76% of India’s land, VDFs are critical for carbon sequestration and biodiversity.
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Moderately Dense Forests (MDF): Constituting 9.54% of the geographical area, MDFs are vital for wildlife habitats and local economies.
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Open Forests (OF): Representing 9.43%, these are areas with sparse tree cover, often under pressure from human activities.
Focus Areas
1. Carbon Stock and Climate Change
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India’s total carbon stock in forests is estimated at 7,204 million tonnes, showing an increase of 79 million tonnes since 2021.
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This aligns with India’s commitments under the Paris Agreement to enhance carbon sinks.
2. Mangroves
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Mangrove cover has increased by 17 square kilometers, reaching 4,992 square kilometers in 2023.
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West Bengal accounts for 42.45% of India’s mangroves, crucial for coastal protection and biodiversity.
3. Forest Fire and Degradation
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Over 35% of India’s forests are prone to frequent fires, with the highest incidence reported in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.
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The report underscores the need for advanced fire management systems.
4. Biodiversity and Protected Areas
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The ISFR includes data on forest types, flora, and fauna.
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It emphasizes the importance of protected areas like national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves in conserving biodiversity.
Challenges Identified in ISFR 2023
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Deforestation and Encroachments
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Unsustainable agricultural practices, infrastructure development, and mining activities remain major causes of deforestation.
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Degradation of Forest Quality
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Despite an increase in forest cover, qualitative degradation, such as the loss of biodiversity and reduction in canopy density, poses significant challenges.
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Impact of Climate Change
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Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns are affecting forest ecosystems, with observable shifts in forest types.
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Government Initiatives
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National Afforestation Programme (NAP)
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Aims to restore degraded forest lands and increase forest and tree cover.
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Green India Mission
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Focuses on enhancing ecosystem services and biodiversity through afforestation activities.
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CAMPA Funds
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Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority supports afforestation and ecological restoration projects.
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Digital Initiatives
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Use of GIS and remote sensing technologies for precise monitoring and planning.
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Importance for UPSC Aspirants
Relevance to Prelims
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Key facts and figures from the ISFR can feature in Environment and Ecology-related questions.
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Topics such as forest density, mangrove ecosystems, and carbon stock are high-probability areas for MCQs.
Relevance to Mains
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GS Paper III: Conservation, environmental pollution, and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
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Case studies and examples from ISFR can be used to enrich answers on sustainable development and climate action.
Relevance to Essay and Interview
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Aspirants can cite ISFR data to substantiate arguments in essays on environment and development.
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Understanding ISFR enhances aspirants’ ability to address questions on India’s forest policies and challenges.
Conclusion
The ISFR 2023 serves as an essential resource for understanding the dynamic trends in India’s forest and tree cover. By integrating data and insights from the report into preparation strategies, UPSC aspirants can gain a comprehensive understanding of environmental governance, ecological sustainability, and India’s commitments to global environmental goals.
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