The recent India State of Forest Report-2021 reflects an impressive achievement in terms of forest cover increase. However, this achievement has been met with skepticism and criticism from different corners. Independent experts and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) have raised doubts about the reliability of India’s forest data. The main bone of contention lies in the practice of mixing plantations with natural forests.
Understanding Green Cover Calculations
The assessment of India’s ‘Forest cover’ and ‘Tree cover’ is done by the Forest Survey of India (FSI), a biennial report prepared by an organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). Interestingly, India counts all plots of 1 hectare or above, with at least 10% tree canopy density, within forest cover without considering the type of land use or ownership. This method contradicts the United Nation’s benchmark that excludes areas mainly under agricultural and urban land use when defining forests.
In classifying forests, India distinguishes between Very Dense Forest (70% or more canopy density), Dense Forests (40% and above canopy density), Open Forests (10-40% canopy density), and Tree Cover (isolated or small patches of trees less than 1 hectare).
Status of India’s Forests: A Comparative Analysis
Comparative analysis of various reports reveals a fluctuating trend in India’s forest cover. In the 1970s, National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA) reported a loss of 2.79% in just seven years. Conversely, government records indicated a substantial forest land diversion for non-forest use. This conflicting data led to a collaborative effort by NRSA and FSI, reconciling India’s forest cover at 19.53% in 1987.
Tragically, plenty of old forests were lost, primarily due to encroachment, diversion, and forest fires. Dense forests within Recorded Forest Areas saw a decrease from 10.88% in 1987 to 9.96% in 2021, a one-tenth slide.
Issues with Current Forest Cover Data
Several concerns have been raised regarding the current forest cover data. The practice of including plantations, orchards, and urban housings in forest data obscures the loss of natural forests. Additionally, the FSI has been criticized for not publicizing its geo-referenced maps and data.
Another disturbing fact is that, despite the enactment of the Forest Conservation Act in 1980, at least 10,000 sq km of forests have vanished due to diversion for development projects. Recent rules seek to limit the scope of application of the Act, permit certain activities without requiring permission for clearing forests, and allow raising and harvesting private plantations on forest land.
A startling revelation by independent investigations is that residential neighborhoods, and even parts of some institutional campuses, are counted as ‘forest’ in the official forest cover map.
The Way Forward: Emphasizing Data Transparency
It’s essential to ensure data transparency, inviting public scrutiny of forest data, similar to practices adopted by countries like Brazil. As the forest survey report is published biennially, it may not accurately reflect the actual forest condition. Therefore, this report should be reinforced by a detailed assessment conducted every five years.
This comprehensive approach can resolve conflicting data issues and provide a clear understanding of India’s forest resources. Accurate data will help to address climate change concerns more effectively and determine whether we are indeed moving towards our goal of maintaining a robust green cover.
