Forest Cover in India

India has a total forest cover of 21.67% as per the latest report. Let's delve into the details to understand how this percentage is calculated.

Definition of Forest Cover
Forest cover includes all lands more than one hectare in area, with a tree canopy density of more than 10%, irrespective of ownership and legal status. It also includes orchards, bamboo and palm.

Forest Cover Assessment
Forest cover assessments are conducted periodically by the Forest Survey of India (FSI), an organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. These assessments use satellite imagery and ground truthing to determine the extent of forest cover in the country.

Factors Affecting Forest Cover
Several factors influence forest cover in India, including deforestation, urbanization, industrialization, and agricultural expansion. Encroachment, illegal logging, and forest fires also contribute to the decrease in forest cover.

Importance of Forest Cover
Forests play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, conserving biodiversity, regulating climate, and providing livelihoods to millions of people. They are also essential for water conservation and soil protection.

Efforts to Increase Forest Cover
The government of India has implemented various schemes and initiatives to increase forest cover, such as afforestation programs, sustainable forest management practices, and the Green India Mission. Community participation and awareness campaigns are also crucial in this regard.

In conclusion, the forest cover in India is crucial for the country's environmental sustainability, and efforts must continue to protect and expand this valuable resource.