From 2019 to 2021 Nagaland’s forest cover declined by 235 square kilometers: ISFR

December 3, 2024 4 Views No Comment

DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 3 (MExN): Nagaland’s forest cover has decreased by 235 square kilometers over the last five years, according to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2021, published by the Forest Survey of India (FSI). The state’s forest cover currently stands at 12,251 square kilometers, compared to 12,486 square kilometers in the 2019 assessment. This decline highlights the importance of bolstering conservation and restoration efforts to protect Nagaland’s rich biodiversity.

Despite the decrease in Nagaland, the ISFR 2021 reports an overall increase in India’s forest and tree cover. The country’s total forest area has expanded to 7,13,789 square kilometers, representing 21.71% of its geographical area. This marks a net gain of 7,449 square kilometers in forest and tree cover since the 2017 assessment, underscoring nationwide efforts to enhance green cover.

While Nagaland’s decline is concerning, states such as Odisha and Telangana have shown significant improvements. Odisha recorded an increase of 811 square kilometers in forest cover, reaching 52,156 square kilometers in 2021. Telangana, known for its Haritha Haram afforestation program, reported a rise of 632 square kilometers, taking its forest cover to 21,214 square kilometers. Madhya Pradesh continues to lead the nation with the largest forest area of 77,493 square kilometers, a marginal increase from its previous figures.

On the other hand, northeastern states like Mizoram and Manipur, which traditionally boast high forest density, have also reported declines. Mizoram’s forest cover reduced by 186 square kilometers, bringing it down to 17,820 square kilometers, while Manipur saw a decrease of 249 square kilometers, lowering its forest area to 16,598 square kilometers.