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28 Dec 2024

India's Forests Face Ongoing Threats: A Comprehensive Analysis of Tree Cover Dynamics
India's Forests Face Ongoing Threats: A Comprehensive Analysis of Tree Cover Dynamics

India's vast landscapes have experienced a dynamic interplay of tree cover loss and gain over the years. With a total area of over 315 million hectares, the country's tree cover extends to approximately 38.80 million hectares. However, this green canopy has not been immune to disturbances. A significant driver of tree cover loss has been forestry activities, contributing to the majority of the depletion, followed by shifting agriculture practices. Wildfires and urbanization also play a role, albeit to a lesser extent.

From 2001 to 2022, the total tree cover loss in India amounted to over 2.20 million hectares, with the highest annual loss recorded in 2017 at approximately 189,421 hectares. Despite these losses, there has been a net gain in tree cover of about 874,068 hectares, indicating a positive change of around 1.32%. This net change is a result of both tree cover gain and the ability of certain regions to remain stable amidst disturbances.

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The latest incident data from 2024 reveals a single fire alert in India, underscoring the ongoing threat of wildfires to the nation's forests. While the impact of this particular incident may be minimal, it serves as a reminder of the persistent challenges facing India's tree cover.

The trends observed over the years highlight the importance of sustainable forestry practices and the need for effective land management to mitigate the impact of shifting agriculture. As urbanization continues to encroach upon natural landscapes, the balance between development and conservation becomes ever more critical. The resilience of India's forests will depend on the collective efforts to protect and enhance these vital ecosystems for future generations.

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