Forest cover in Assam decreases by 86.22 sq km: ISFR 2023

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 22, 2024

Assam has reported a significant reduction in its forest cover according to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, released on Saturday.

The state’s forest cover within Recorded Forest Area (RFA) and Green Wash (GW) has decreased by 86.66 square kilometres, making it the third-largest decline among Indian states, following Tripura (116.90 sq km) and Telangana (105.87 sq km).

The report stated the total forest and tree cover in the northeastern region, which spans 1,74,394.70 sq km and accounts for 67% of the region’s geographical area, has also diminished, showing a 327.30 sq km reduction. This decline underscores the vulnerability of the region’s rich biodiversity to anthropogenic and environmental pressures.

At the national level, however, there was an increase of 1,445.81 sq km in total forest and tree cover since the last assessment in 2021. India’s forest and tree cover spans 8,27,356.95 sq km, constituting 25.17% of the country’s geographical area. Despite this positive trend, the decrease in northeastern states remains a cause for concern.

The report also stated the Recorded Forest Area (RFA) in Assam is 26,832 sq km (34.21% of Assam’s geographical area).

Similarly, Reserved Forests account for 66.58% of the total forest area, and Unclassed Forests account for 33.42%.

According to the ISFR 2021 report, the total forest and tree cover was 24.62%. The total forest cover was 7,13,789 sq km (21.71% of the geographical area), and the tree cover was 2.91% of the geographical area. The new report shows a slight increase in both forest and tree cover, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance green cover across the nation.

The country’s increase in forest and tree cover as recorded in the ISFR 2023 report signifies a positive step towards environmental sustainability. The addition of agroforestry trees and the slight growth in forest and tree cover highlight the country’s commitment to preserving its natural resources. However, the reduction in green cover in certain states underscores the need for continued efforts and strategies to promote afforestation and reforestation.

Maximum national-level forest and tree cover increase seen in Chhattisgarh (683.62 sq km), followed by Uttar Pradesh (559.19 sq km), and Odisha (558.57 sq km).

The states with the largest declines in total forest and tree cover- Madhya Pradesh (612.41 sq km), Karnataka (459.36 sq km) and Ladakh (159.26 sq km).

The forest cover outside RFA (reserved forest area) has been shown maximum increase in the state of Gujarat (241.29 sq km) followed by Bihar (106.85 sq km), Kerala (95.19 sq km), Uttar Pradesh (79.27 sq km) and Assam (74.90 sq km).

Assam’s forest cover reduction is alarming given the state’s role as a biodiversity hotspot. The report stated clearing forests for farming, infrastructure, and human settlements, and rampant logging and encroachment on forest land is the key factors for decline of forest cover.

The National Forest Policy of 1988 mandates that 33% of India’s geographical area should be under forest or tree cover to maintain ecological balance. Assam, with 34.21% forest cover, aligns with this mandate but must address the recent declines to safeguard its environmental integrity.

The ISFR 2023 findings emphasize the need for proactive conservation measures, particularly in states like Assam where forest degradation threatens biodiversity. Strengthening reforestation efforts, enforcing forest protection laws, and promoting sustainable land use are vital steps toward reversing this trend.