Home / Environment / Forest Area Grows, But Key Forests Shrink in State
Forest Area Grows, But Key Forests Shrink in State
5 Jun
Summary
- Recorded forest area rose by 609 sq km between 2001 and 2023.
- Protected forest area decreased by 2,095 sq km during the same period.
- Experts warn shrinking deep forests impact local temperatures and biodiversity.
The recorded forest area in the state has expanded by 609 sq km over the past 23 years, growing from 16,826 sq km in 2001 to 17,435 sq km in 2023. This increase is primarily due to a rise in reserved and unclassed forest areas.
However, this positive trend is overshadowed by a substantial decrease in protected forest cover, which has shrunk by 2,095 sq km since 2001. Experts highlight that while plantation drives contribute to unclassed forest expansion, the decline in deep forests like reserved and protected areas poses significant environmental risks.
These vital forest types are crucial carbon sinks and biodiversity havens. Their reduction is linked to rising local temperatures and habitat loss for indigenous species. Unclassed forests, often from social forestry initiatives, offer limited ecological benefits compared to dense, protected forests, necessitating renewed conservation efforts for the latter.
