India State of Forest Report

India State of Forest Report (ISFR): Key Insights for UPSC Aspirants

The India State of Forest Report (ISFR) is a comprehensive biennial publication by the Forest Survey of India (FSI), under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). It provides a detailed assessment of the country’s forest and tree resources. For UPSC aspirants, the ISFR is crucial for topics related to environment, biodiversity, sustainable development, and climate change.

What is the ISFR?

The ISFR assesses the forest cover, types, density, and changes in forest and tree cover across India. It uses advanced remote sensing technology along with ground-truthing for accuracy.

Key Components of the ISFR

Forest Cover Assessment: Categorized into Very Dense Forest (VDF), Moderately Dense Forest (MDF), and Open Forest (OF) based on canopy density.
Tree Cover Assessment: Includes non-forest areas with tree patches.
Carbon Stock: Evaluates carbon sequestration by forests, a critical factor for climate change mitigation.
Forest Type Mapping: Identifies different forest ecosystems based on climatic and geographic conditions.
Biodiversity and Wildlife: Examines flora, fauna, and the health of ecosystems.
Forest Fire Assessment: Monitors the frequency and intensity of forest fires across India.

Highlights of the ISFR 2021 (Latest Edition)

1. India’s Forest Cover

Total Forest Cover: 7,13,789 sq km (21.71% of the total geographical area).
Tree Cover: 95,748 sq km (2.91% of the geographical area).
Combined Forest and Tree Cover: 24.62% of India’s geographical area.

2. Increase in Forest Cover

The total forest and tree cover increased by 2,261 sq km compared to the previous ISFR (2019).
Significant increase observed in states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha.

3. Carbon Stock

India’s total forest carbon stock is estimated at 7,204 million tonnes, an increase of 79.4 million tonnes since 2019.

4. Mangrove Forests

Total mangrove cover: 4,992 sq km, with an increase of 17 sq km.
Mangroves play a vital role in coastal ecosystem protection and carbon sequestration.

5. Forest Fire Vulnerability

About 35.46% of India’s forest area is prone to forest fires, with Extremely to Very Highly Fire-Prone Areas accounting for 3%.

6. Biodiversity Hotspots

The ISFR underscores the importance of preserving biodiversity in regions like the Western Ghats, Himalayas, and Northeast India.

7. States with the Highest Forest Cover

By Area: Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh.
By Percentage: Mizoram (85.41%), Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya.

Key Factors Influencing Forest Cover Changes

Positive Factors

Afforestation Efforts
- Government programs like CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority).
- Community-driven initiatives and agroforestry practices.
Mangrove Conservation
- Schemes like Mangrove for the Future (MFF) promote mangrove restoration.
Policy Support
- Implementation of the National Mission for a Green India under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).

Negative Factors

Deforestation
- Expanding agriculture, infrastructure projects, and mining activities.
Forest Degradation
- Overgrazing, illegal logging, and forest fires.
Climate Change
- Changes in rainfall patterns and rising temperatures adversely impact forest ecosystems.

Significance of ISFR for India

1. Environmental Conservation

Provides data for monitoring forest health and addressing degradation.
Helps in biodiversity conservation by identifying vulnerable ecosystems.

2. Climate Change Mitigation

Tracks carbon sequestration by forests, aiding India’s commitments under the Paris Agreement.
Supports India’s pledge to achieve net zero emissions by 2070.

3. Sustainable Development

Aligns with India’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

4. Policy Formulation

Informs strategies for afforestation, forest management, and community engagement.
Data supports government initiatives like the National Afforestation Programme (NAP).

5. Enhancing International Reputation

Demonstrates India’s commitment to global environmental goals, such as combating desertification and promoting biodiversity conservation.

Challenges in Forest Conservation

Encroachment: Conversion of forest land for agriculture and settlements.
Mining and Infrastructure Projects: Fragmentation and degradation of forests.
Forest Fires: Increasing incidents due to climate change and human activities.
Invasive Species: Non-native plants and animals disrupting local ecosystems.
Lack of Resources: Limited funding and manpower for forest management.

Government Initiatives for Forest Conservation

Green India Mission (GIM)
- Aims to increase forest cover and improve ecosystem services.
National Afforestation Programme (NAP)
- Focuses on restoring degraded forests through community participation.
Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act (2016)
- Utilizes funds from deforestation projects for afforestation activities.
Joint Forest Management (JFM)
- Engages local communities in forest conservation.
Project Tiger and Project Elephant
- Protects wildlife and their habitats.

Way Forward for Forest Conservation

Strengthening Policies
- Implement stricter land-use regulations to curb deforestation.
- Promote agroforestry and sustainable land-use practices.
Leveraging Technology
- Use AI and GIS for real-time forest monitoring.
- Employ drones for afforestation and fire management.
Community Involvement
- Empower local communities with financial and technical support for forest management.
- Recognize tribal rights under the Forest Rights Act (2006).
International Collaboration
- Partner with global initiatives like the Bonn Challenge to restore degraded landscapes.
Awareness Campaigns
- Educate the public on the ecological and economic benefits of forests.

Relevance of ISFR for UPSC Aspirants

1. Prelims

Data on forest cover, carbon stock, and mangroves are often asked in objective questions.

2. Mains (GS Paper III)

Topics like afforestation, biodiversity, and climate change frequently draw from ISFR insights.

3. Essay Writing

Use ISFR data to support essays on “Sustainable Development and Forest Management” or “Role of Forests in Combating Climate Change”.

4. Interview

Questions on India’s environmental policies and commitments often reference forest-related topics.

Conclusion

The India State of Forest Report is a vital tool for tracking the health of India’s forests and formulating policies for sustainable development. It reflects the balance between conservation and development, underscoring the importance of forests in India’s ecological and economic fabric. For UPSC aspirants, the ISFR provides critical data and insights, enabling a comprehensive understanding of forest management and its broader implications for the environment and society.

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