India's natural resources include forests, which are crucial for preserving the nation's ecological balance. The Forest Survey of India (FSI) publishes the State of Forest Report (SFR) every two years, which is a detailed report on the condition of the nation's forest resources. The Status of Forest Survey in India will be discussed in this essay, along with its significance, methodology, and major findings.
The significance of India's State of Forest Survey
An essential instrument for determining the condition of India's forest resources is the State of Forest Survey. It offers crucial information on the quantity, variety, and calibre of the nation's forest resources to policymakers and forest managers. The survey is crucial for designating protected areas, tracking changes in forest cover, and developing a sustainable forest management strategy.
The State of Forest Survey is crucial for monitoring India's advancement in fulfilling its objectives for forest protection. As part of its commitment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, India has pledged to increase the amount of forest cover to 33% of its total land area. The survey offers crucial information on the steps taken to achieve this aim and aids in identifying areas that require additional work.
Indian State of Forest Survey Methods
The FSI created a standard approach that serves as the foundation for the State of Forest Survey. To determine the quantity and state of the nation's forest resources, a combination of ground-based surveys and satellite data analysis is used in the process.
Data on forest cover, forest type, forest density, and other forest parameters are collected during the ground-based surveys utilising a range of methods, including aerial surveys, ground-based observations, and sample plots. Estimates of the forest cover and other forest metrics are then created using the information gathered from these surveys.
The analysis of satellite data is used to supplement ground-based surveys and give a more complete picture of the forest cover in the nation. The FSI can map the country's forest cover thanks to satellite data gathered using remote sensing methods.
Major Results of the Indian Forest Survey
In 2019, the most recent State of Forest Survey in India was released, and it included some significant new information about the condition of the nation's forest resources. Following are a few of the survey's main conclusions:
Growth in Forest Cover: According to the survey, India's forest cover increased from 21.34% of the country's total land area in 2015 to 24.56% in 2019. The government's afforestation projects and measures to enhance forest management techniques are largely responsible for the rise in forest cover.
Increase in Carbon Stock: According to the survey, the carbon stock in India's forests has increased. This is a significant indicator of the contribution that forests make to reducing the effects of climate change. A total of 7,124.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide were thought to be stored in India's forests, an increase of 42.6 million tonnes over the previous analysis.
Increased Bamboo Cover: Bamboo is a major non-timber forest resource, and the survey found that its cover had increased nationwide. A total of 16.00 million hectares of bamboo were thought to be present throughout the nation, an increase of 0.2 million hectares over the previous census.
Loss of Forest Cover in Certain States: According to the survey, there has been a decline in the amount of forest cover in several states, especially in the northeastern section of the nation. Deforestation, encroachment, and forest fires are some of the causes of the loss of forest cover.
Opportunities and Difficulties
While the Status of Forest Survey offers insightful data on the condition of India's forest resources, there are still a number of issues that need to be resolved. One of the key issues is the country's ongoing loss of forest cover, especially in the north-eastern region.
Many reasons, including as deforestation, encroachment, and forest fires, are to blame for this loss of forest cover.
Government agencies, forestry divisions, and local governments must work together to address these issues. More enforcement of the legislation and harsher punishments for unlawful logging and encroachment are needed to maintain forests. In order to ensure that local populations utilise forest resources and contribute to their conservation, there is a need for more community involvement in forest management.
Despite these difficulties, there are still chances to significantly advance India's forest resource situation. The National Agroforestry Policy and the Green India Mission are two of the government's recent measures to encourage afforestation and enhance forest management techniques. Also, there is a growing understanding of how important forests are in reducing climate change, which has resulted in more financing and backing for efforts to save forests.
Conclusion
An essential instrument for evaluating the condition of India's forest resources is the State of Forest Survey. It helps to identify areas for conservation and sustainable forest management by providing important information on the quantity, diversity, and quality of the nation's forest resources.
The most recent survey revealed an increase in the nation's forest cover and carbon stock, but it also made clear the need to address the country's ongoing loss of forest cover in some areas. The government, forest departments, and local communities must work together to address these issues, but there are also chances to further advance India's forest resources. We can ensure that India's forests give significant ecological, economic, and social benefits for future generations by cooperating.