Intro:
• India has 24.62% of its geographical area under forest cover (India State of Forest Report, ISFR 2021).
• Forests are vital carbon sinks, biodiversity reservoirs & regulators of local climate.
Status of Forest Resources in India:
1. Forest Cover (ISFR 2021):
• Total: 7.13 lakh sq. km (21.71% Very Dense + Moderately Dense).
• Top 3 States: Madhya Pradesh > Arunachal Pradesh > Chhattisgarh.
2. Regional Trends:
• Gains: Andhra Pradesh (+647 sq km), Telangana, Odisha.
• Losses: Northeast (Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram – shifting cultivation & encroachment).
3. Quality Degradation:
• Increase in open forests & scrub areas — indicates degradation.
• Very Dense Forests = only 3.04% — low for ecological balance.
4. Afforestation Efforts:
• Green India Mission (GIM), CAMPA Funds, State afforestation drives.
• Challenges: monoculture plantations, lack of biodiversity, poor community involvement.
Impact on Climate Change:
1. Carbon Sequestration:
• India’s forests absorb ~15% of annual GHG emissions (MoEFCC).
• Target: Additional 2.5–3 bn tonnes CO₂ equivalent sink by 2030 (NDC goal).
2. Climate Resilience:
• Forests stabilize local climates, reduce heat islands, increase rainfall.
• Himalayan forests protect against glacial melt & landslides.
3. Forest Loss → Climate Feedback Loop:
• Deforestation in Western Ghats & NE → less rainfall, more droughts.
• Urban expansion & mining = GHG emissions + ecological imbalance.
Conclusion:
• Forest resources are declining in quality, threatening India’s climate targets.
• Sustainable forest management, tribal rights (Forest Rights Act), & climate-smart afforestation are key.
