Periodic Assessment of Forest Resources in India

The periodic assessment of forest resources in India is essential for sustainable forest management, ecological balance, and policy formulation. Forests are crucial for maintaining biodiversity, climate regulation, and supporting the livelihoods of millions. The Forest Survey of India (FSI), operating under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, plays a vital role in assessing these resources. Since its inception in 1981, FSI has employed advanced scientific methodologies, including satellite data, for comprehensive assessments. One of its key publications is the India State of Forest Report (ISFR), published biennially since 1987. The latest report, ISFR 2023, marks the 18th edition, reflecting India’s evolving forestry scenario and progress in sustainable forest management.

Significance of ISFR

The India State of Forest Report (ISFR) holds significant value for multiple stakeholders, including policymakers, environmentalists, researchers, and the general public. The report provides critical data and insights into various forestry parameters, which serve several purposes:

• Monitoring and Evaluation: It tracks changes in forest cover, providing a reliable basis for evaluating the effectiveness of forestry policies and conservation efforts.
  
• Planning and Management: ISFR aids in planning for the optimal utilization and sustainable management of forest resources by highlighting areas requiring conservation or afforestation efforts.

• International Commitments: The report tracks India’s progress toward Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, specifically the target of creating an additional carbon sink of 2.5–3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through forest and tree cover by 2030.
  
• Climate Reporting: It serves as a key input for reporting greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) under the Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry (LULUCF) sector.
  
• Global Assessments: ISFR contributes data to international assessments like the FAO’s Global Forest Resources Assessment, enhancing India’s visibility in global forestry discussions.
  

Forest Cover Mapping

Forest cover refers to all land areas exceeding one hectare with a tree canopy density of at least 10%, regardless of ownership or land use. This definition encompasses orchards, bamboo, and palm plantations.

Methodology:

1. Satellite Data: The FSI uses satellite data from ISRO’s LISS-III sensor (Resourcesat series) with a spatial resolution of 23.5 meters.
   
2. Data Acquisition: Data is collected during October–December to ensure cloud-free images and full vegetation foliage. Additional images are obtained for regions like the Northeast, coastal belts, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands during January–April for better quality.
   
3. Classification of Forest Cover:
   
   • Very Dense Forest (VDF): Canopy density ≥70%.
   • Moderately Dense Forest (MDF): Canopy density 40–70%.
   • Open Forest (OF): Canopy density 10–40%.

The process involves digital image processing, visual interpretation, and ground verification by field analysts and state forest departments. Over the years, methodologies have been refined, incorporating advanced geospatial technologies and AI-based analysis to enhance accuracy and reliability.

National Forest Inventory (NFI)

The National Forest Inventory (NFI) is another critical component of ISFR. Launched in 2002, it focuses on assessing forests and Trees Outside Forests (TOF) to estimate growing stock and related parameters.

Evolution of Sampling Design:

1. Initially stratified into 14 physiographic zones with a 20-year revisit cycle.
   
2. In 2016, a grid-based design was introduced, featuring 5 km x 5 km uniform grids, reducing the revisit time to 5 years for more frequent assessments.
   
3. Annually, the NFI covers approximately 6,000 forest plots and 10,000 TOF plots across the country.
   

Key Parameters Assessed:

• Growing Stock: Total volume of all living trees.
• Tree Cover: Area covered by tree canopies.
• Bamboo Stock: Distribution and volume of bamboo species.
• Carbon Stock: Biomass carbon stored in forest ecosystems.
• Agroforestry Characteristics: Trends in integrating trees with agricultural practices.

ISFR 2023 Highlights

The ISFR 2023 is divided into two comprehensive volumes:

• Volume I: Focuses on national-level assessments, including:
  
  • Forest cover trends
  • Mangrove cover and health
  • Forest fire occurrences
  • Growing and carbon stock estimates
  • Agroforestry trends and decadal forest changes
• Volume II: Provides State/UT-specific data, offering detailed forest cover information at district and division levels, derived from extensive field inventories.
  

Key Highlights of the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023

Forest and Tree Cover in India

The ISFR 2023 reports that India’s total forest and tree cover stands at 8,27,356.95 km², representing 25.17% of the country’s total geographical area. This includes:

• Forest Cover: 7,15,342.61 km² (21.76% of the geographical area).
• Tree Cover: 1,12,014.34 km² (3.41% of the geographical area).

The report highlights a positive trend in India’s forest and tree cover, with an increase of 1,445.81 km² since ISFR 2021. Notably, forest cover alone has expanded by 156.41 km², reflecting India’s sustained efforts in afforestation and conservation programs.

State-Wise Changes in Forest and Tree Cover

States with Maximum Increase:

The states witnessing the most significant increase in forest and tree cover are:

1. Chhattisgarh: +683.62 km²
2. Uttar Pradesh: +559.19 km²
3. Odisha: +558.57 km²
4. Rajasthan: +394.46 km²

States with Maximum Decrease:

Conversely, some states have experienced declines in their forest cover:

1. Madhya Pradesh: -612.41 km²
2. Karnataka: -459.36 km²
3. Ladakh: -159.26 km²
4. Nagaland: -125.22 km²

Forest Cover Inside Recorded Forest Areas (RFA):

• Maximum Increase: Mizoram (+192.92 km²) and Odisha (+118.17 km²).
• Maximum Decrease: Tripura (-116.90 km²) and Telangana (-105.87 km²).

Forest Cover Outside RFA:

• Maximum Increase: Gujarat (+241.29 km²) and Bihar (+106.85 km²).
• Maximum Decrease: Madhya Pradesh (-344.77 km²) and Rajasthan (-110.65 km²).

Tree Cover Trends

The states with the highest tree cover are:

1. Maharashtra: 14,524.88 km²
2. Rajasthan: 10,841.12 km²
3. Uttar Pradesh: 8,950.92 km²

States showing notable positive changes in tree cover include:

• Chhattisgarh: +702.75 km²
• Rajasthan: +478.26 km²
• Uttar Pradesh: +440.76 km²

Special Ecosystems: Mangroves and Western Ghats

Mangrove Cover:

Mangroves, vital for coastal protection and biodiversity, cover 4,991.68 km², accounting for 0.15% of India’s geographical area. The composition of mangrove cover is:

• Very Dense Mangroves: 1,463.97 km² (29%)
• Moderately Dense Mangroves: 1,500.84 km² (30%)
• Open Mangroves: 2,026.87 km² (41%)

Changes since ISFR 2021:

• Net decrease of 7.43 km².
• Largest Decline: Gujarat (-36.39 km²).
• Increase: Andhra Pradesh (+13.01 km²) and Maharashtra (+12.39 km²).

Western Ghats Eco-Sensitive Areas (WGESA):

Covering approximately 60,285.61 km², the Western Ghats house 44,043.99 km² (73%) forest cover. However, the region has lost 58.22 km² of forest cover over the past decade, raising concerns about ecological sustainability in this biodiversity hotspot.

Regional Insights

Hills Districts:

• Forest cover in hill districts totals 2,83,713.20 km², accounting for 40% of their geographical area.
• Since ISFR 2021, there has been an increase of 234.14 km².

North Eastern Region:

• The region’s total forest and tree cover is 1,74,394.70 km², representing 67% of its geographical area.
• However, there is a decline of 327.30 km² since ISFR 2021, highlighting the need for targeted conservation measures.

Growing Stock and Bamboo Resources

Growing Stock (Wood Volume):

India’s total growing stock in forests and Trees Outside Forests (TOF) is estimated at 6,429 million m³, reflecting an increase of 262 million m³ since ISFR 2021.

• Maximum Growing Stock in Forests:
  • Arunachal Pradesh: 457 million m³
  • Uttarakhand: 400 million m³

Bamboo Resources:

India’s bamboo-bearing area has expanded to 1,54,670 km², marking an increase of 5,227 km² since ISFR 2021.

• Top States for Bamboo Resources:
  • Madhya Pradesh: 20,421 km²
  • Arunachal Pradesh: 18,424 km²

Carbon Stock Assessment

Forests play a pivotal role in carbon sequestration. The ISFR 2023 estimates:

• Total Carbon Stock: 7,285 million tonnes (Mt), an increase of 81 Mt since ISFR 2021.
• Annual Carbon Sequestration Rate: Equivalent to reducing CO₂ emissions by 149 Mt annually.

States with Maximum Carbon Stock:

• Arunachal Pradesh: 1,021 Mt
• Madhya Pradesh: 608 Mt

Agroforestry Expansion

Agroforestry has shown substantial growth, with total tree green cover under agroforestry estimated at 1,27,590 km², reflecting a 21% rise since ISFR 2013.

Top States for Agroforestry Growing Stock:

• Maharashtra: 136 million m³
• Karnataka: 98 million m³

Key Changes in Forestry Parameters (2013–2023)

The period between 2013 and 2023 witnessed positive developments in various forestry-related parameters:

1. Forest Cover:
   • Total increase: 16,630.25 km²
   • Inside Recorded Forest Area/Green Wash (RFA/GW): 440.47 km²
   • Outside RFA/GW: 16,189.78 km²
   • In hill districts: 2,649.04 km² increase

2. Mangrove Cover:
   • Increased by 296.33 km²
3. Tree Cover:
   • Increase of 20,747.34 km²
4. Agroforestry Contributions:
   • Green cover under agroforestry: 21,286.57 km² increase
   • Growing stock in agroforestry: 286.94 million m³ increase
5. Growing Stock in Forest and Trees Outside Forests (TOF):
   • In forests: 305.543 million m³ increase
   • In TOF: 466.07 million m³ increase

Key Characteristics of Forests (2013–2023)

The report analyzed forest conditions, disturbances, and vegetation status, revealing encouraging trends:

1. Soil Health:
   • Improvement in soil depth:
     • 87.16% shallow to deep soil (up from 83.53% in 2013)
   • Better humus content:
     • 18.04% medium to deep humus (up from 11.43% in 2013)
2. Vegetation Growth:
   • Grass cover (dense to very dense): 17.21% (up from 15.64%)
   • Undergrowth (dense to very dense): 25.58% (up from 20.32%)
3. Soil Organic Carbon:
   • Marginal increase from 55.85 tonnes/ha to 56.08 tonnes/ha
4. Reduction in Forest Disturbances:
   • Moderate to heavy grazing load reduced to 35.79% (from 41.04%)
   • Biotic influences reduced to 26.66% (from 31.28%)
5. Floral and Faunal Biodiversity:
   • Forest areas under mixed size classes increased to 38.11% (from 21.12%), indicating richer floral biodiversity and better habitats for wildlife.

The India State of Forest Report (ISFR) plays a pivotal role in shaping India’s forest policies and conservation strategies. By providing robust, data-driven insights, it aids in achieving national and international environmental goals. The incorporation of cutting-edge technologies, refined methodologies, and rigorous ground validations ensures that ISFR remains a reliable tool for policymakers. As India progresses toward sustainable development and climate resilience, periodic forest assessments like the ISFR will continue to guide efforts in preserving the country’s rich and diverse forest ecosystems for future generations.

Prelims Practice MCQ

With reference to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. Chhattisgarh recorded the highest increase in forest and tree cover among all states.
2. Gujarat showed the maximum increase in forest cover outside Recorded Forest Areas (RFA).
3. The North Eastern Region witnessed an overall increase in forest and tree cover compared to ISFR 2021.
4. Mangrove cover in Andhra Pradesh has decreased compared to ISFR 2021.
   

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1, 2, and 3 only
c) 2 and 4 only
d) 1, 3, and 4 only

Correct Answer: a) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: Chhattisgarh recorded the highest increase in forest and tree cover (+683.62 km²). 
• Statement 2 is correct: Gujarat showed the maximum increase in forest cover outside RFA (+241.29 km²). 
• Statement 3 is incorrect: The North Eastern Region experienced a decline of 327.30 km² in forest and tree cover since ISFR 2021. 
• Statement 4 is incorrect: Mangrove cover in Andhra Pradesh increased by +13.01 km², not decreased.

Mains Practice Question

India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023 highlights both progress and challenges in managing the country’s forest and tree resources. Discuss the key findings of ISFR 2023, focusing on regional variations, special ecosystems, and their implications for sustainable development. Suggest measures to address the challenges identified in the report.