JOIN USThe picture presented by the biennial state of forest report of the Forest Survey of India (FSI) is not bad, but it does not bring any great cheer also.
The 12th report, released last week, shows that there is a marginal increase in the country’s forest cover from 2011.
This is in contrast to the decline reported between 2009 and 20 11.
The increase is of 5,871 sq km, which is partly because of the correction of a mistake in the previous report. This is a small increase, considering that the country’s total forest cover is about 7 lakh sq km.
But the positive point is that the trend of destruction and loss of forests, seen for a long time, has shown a pause in the last two years.
It is also good that about 40 per cent of the forest area consists of contiguous forests. The survey covered forests of different kinds, trees, mangroves and growing stock, and is considered authoritative, as it was based on extensive satellite imagery.
But the details given in the report are cause for some concern. Thirteen states have shown a loss of forest cover. While the very dense forests have grown marginally and the hills and tribal districts are greener, there is a sharp decrease in the area of moderately dense forests.
This is the area which is generally hit by activities like encroachments and grazing and is most prone to pressures from population increase.
The report states that about 73 per cent of the recorded forest area is affected by grazing. This shows that the traditional threats to forests still remain strong and conservation efforts must pay greater attention to them.
Another matter of concern is that the decline is more in the Northeast which accounts for a quarter of the country’s forest cover. This is because of the practice of shifting cultivation and increase in illegal logging. More effective steps have to be taken to deal with them.
The total forest cover in the country, including trees, is about 24 per cent of its geographical area. This is much short of the national forest policy’s aim of a forest and tree cover of 33 per cent of the geographical area. This is an ambitious goal which is difficult to achieve.
There is greater awareness now of the importance of forests. Therefore, efforts to increase the forest cover should continue, so that there is at least no further loss.