Sat Dec 21 07:30:52 UTC 2024: ## India’s Forest and Tree Cover Expands, Driven by Gains in Several States
**New Delhi, December 21, 2024** – India’s total forest and tree cover has increased by 1,445 sq km since 2021, reaching 25.17% of the country’s geographical area, according to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, released today.
The report, compiled by the Forest Survey of India (FSI), reveals that total forest cover rose from 7,13,789 sq km in 2021 to 7,15,343 sq km in 2023 (21.76% of geographical area). Tree cover also saw a significant increase of 1,289 sq km, now accounting for 3.41% of the geographical area.
Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and Rajasthan recorded the most substantial gains in both forest and tree cover. Mizoram, Gujarat, and Odisha led in increased forest cover specifically. The northeastern states, particularly Mizoram (with a 242 sq km increase), showed remarkable improvement, reversing some previous declines.
Madhya Pradesh retained its position as the state with the largest total forest and tree cover, followed by Arunachal Pradesh and Maharashtra.
The FSI defines forest cover as land with over 10% tree canopy density covering at least one hectare, regardless of ownership. Tree cover includes smaller tree patches and isolated trees outside reserved forest areas. The report includes both natural forests and man-made plantations.
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