FOREST COVER IN INDIA

Forest cover in India is a critical component of the country’s ecological and environmental framework, influencing biodiversity, climate regulation, and the livelihoods of millions. India has a diverse range of forests, from tropical rainforests to alpine forests, covering a significant portion of its land area.

Definition of Forest Cover

Forest cover refers to all lands more than one hectare in area with a tree canopy density of more than 10%, irrespective of land use, ownership, or the legal status of the land.

Classification of Forest Cover in India

1. Very Dense Forest: All lands with a canopy density of 70% and above.
2. Moderately Dense Forest: All lands with a canopy density of 40% to 70%.
3. Open Forest: All lands with a canopy density of 10% to 40%.
4. Scrub: Lands with canopy density less than 10%.
5. Non-Forest: Areas not meeting the criteria for forest cover.

Current Status of Forest Cover in India

According to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2021, the total forest cover in India is 713,789 square kilometers, which is 21.71% of the geographical area of the country.

• Very Dense Forest: 99,779 sq km (3.04%)
• Moderately Dense Forest: 308,472 sq km (9.39%)
• Open Forest: 305,638 sq km (9.28%)

Regional Distribution

• Northeast India: The region has the highest forest cover as a percentage of its geographical area, with states like Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Manipur having more than 75% of their area under forest cover.
• Central and Eastern India: States like Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Jharkhand have substantial forest areas, contributing significantly to the country’s overall forest cover.
• Western Ghats: This biodiversity hotspot in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala has dense forests with high biodiversity.
• Himalayan Region: Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir have extensive forest areas, including montane and alpine forests.

Importance of Forest Cover

1. Biodiversity Conservation: Forests are home to a vast array of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic and endangered.
2. Climate Regulation: Forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide and helping mitigate climate change.
3. Water Cycle Regulation: Forests play a crucial role in maintaining the hydrological cycle, influencing rainfall patterns and groundwater recharge.
4. Soil Conservation: Tree roots help prevent soil erosion, maintaining soil fertility and structure.
5. Livelihoods: Forests provide resources like timber, fuelwood, fodder, and non-timber forest products (NTFPs) essential for the livelihoods of millions of people, especially tribal and rural communities.

Example of Forest Cover: The Western Ghats

Location:

• Stretches for about 1,600 km along the western coast of India, from Gujarat to Kerala.

Flora and Fauna:

• Flora: Includes a wide variety of tree species such as teak, rosewood, sandalwood, and many endemic species of orchids and medicinal plants.
• Fauna: Home to diverse wildlife, including elephants, tigers, leopards, gaurs (Indian bison), lion-tailed macaques, and several species of birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

Importance:

• Biodiversity: The Western Ghats is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the eight “hottest hotspots” of biological diversity in the world.
• Climate Regulation: The dense forests play a vital role in regulating the monsoon rains that are crucial for agriculture in the region.
• Water Resources: The Western Ghats are the source of many major rivers, including the Godavari, Krishna, and Cauvery, which are lifelines for millions of people in peninsular India.

Challenges and Conservation Efforts

Challenges:

• Deforestation: Driven by agricultural expansion, urbanization, infrastructure development, and mining.
• Forest Degradation: Illegal logging, overgrazing, and unsustainable harvesting of forest resources.
• Climate Change: Alters precipitation patterns, increases the frequency of extreme weather events, and affects forest health and productivity.
• Human-Wildlife Conflict: Encroachment into forest areas leads to conflicts between humans and wildlife.

Conservation Efforts:

• Protected Areas: Establishing national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves to protect forest ecosystems.
• Afforestation and Reforestation: Initiatives to restore degraded lands through tree planting and sustainable forest management practices.
• Community Participation: Engaging local communities in conservation efforts through Joint Forest Management (JFM) and other participatory approaches.
• Legal Framework: Implementation of laws and policies such as the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, and the National Forest Policy, 1988, to regulate and promote sustainable forest management.

Conclusion

Forest cover in India is crucial for maintaining ecological balance, supporting biodiversity, and providing economic and cultural benefits. The diverse types of forests, from the Western Ghats to the Northeastern states, showcase the richness of India’s natural heritage. Despite facing significant challenges, ongoing conservation efforts, sustainable management practices, and community involvement are essential to protect and enhance India’s forest cover for future generations.