How much of India is covered by forests, and is it growing or shrinking? The answer comes from the India State of Forest Report (ISFR), published every two years by the Forest Survey of India. It uses satellite data and field surveys to measure forest cover, tree cover, mangroves and carbon stock. Exams ask about the latest figures, the top States and the forest categories. This post explains the report in simple words, with the key numbers of ISFR 2023. It ends with 15 previous year questions.
Key Points (Quick Revision)
- The ISFR is published by the Forest Survey of India (FSI), Dehradun, every two years since 1987.
- ISFR 2023, the 18th report, was released in December 2024.
- Forest and tree cover together is 25.17% of India's area - 21.76% forest and 3.41% tree cover.
- Madhya Pradesh has the largest forest and tree cover by area; Lakshadweep has the highest share of its area under forest.
- Mangrove cover is about 4,992 sq km, and West Bengal has the largest share.
1. About the Forest Survey of India
The Forest Survey of India works under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and is based in Dehradun. It has published the State of Forest Report every two years since 1987, using satellite images checked with field data.
2. Forest cover vs tree cover vs recorded forest
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Forest cover | All land of more than 1 hectare with tree canopy density of more than 10%, whatever its ownership or legal status |
| Tree cover | Tree patches outside recorded forests that are smaller than 1 hectare, including scattered trees |
| Recorded forest area | Land recorded as forest in government records, whether or not it has trees |
3. Forest density classes
| Class | Canopy density |
|---|---|
| Very Dense Forest | 70% and above |
| Moderately Dense Forest | 40% to 70% |
| Open Forest | 10% to 40% |
| Scrub | Less than 10% (not counted as forest cover) |
4. Key numbers of ISFR 2023
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Forest cover | 7,15,343 sq km (21.76% of geographical area) |
| Tree cover | 1,12,014 sq km (3.41%) |
| Forest + tree cover | 8,27,357 sq km (25.17%) |
| Increase since 2021 (forest + tree) | About 1,445 sq km |
| Mangrove cover | 4,992 sq km (0.15%) |
For the first time, India's forest and tree cover together crossed 25% of its area. Most of the recent gain came from tree cover outside forests.
5. Top States
- Largest forest and tree cover by area - Madhya Pradesh, followed by Arunachal Pradesh and Maharashtra.
- Highest share of area under forest - Lakshadweep, followed by Mizoram and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- Largest mangrove cover - West Bengal (home to the Sundarbans), with over 40% of India's mangroves.
The North-Eastern States have high forest shares, but some of them have shown losses in recent reports, often due to shifting cultivation and development.
6. Carbon stock and climate goals
Forests store carbon in trees and soil. ISFR 2023 found the forest carbon stock increased by about 81.5 million tonnes since 2021.
Under its climate commitment (NDC), India aims to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through forest and tree cover by 2030.
7. Policy targets
- The National Forest Policy, 1988 set a goal of 33% of India's area under forest or tree cover, and two-thirds in hilly areas.
- India is still below this target, at about 25%.
- Schemes such as the Green India Mission and compensatory afforestation (CAMPA) aim to increase green cover.
8. Previous year questions
- Which body publishes the India State of Forest Report? – Forest Survey of India
- Where is the Forest Survey of India located? – Dehradun
- How often is the ISFR published? – Every two years
- Since which year has the ISFR been published? – 1987
- ISFR 2023 is which edition? – 18th
- What share of India's area is under forest and tree cover as per ISFR 2023? – 25.17%
- What share of India's area is under forest cover as per ISFR 2023? – 21.76%
- Which State has the largest forest and tree cover by area? – Madhya Pradesh
- Which has the highest share of its area under forest? – Lakshadweep
- Which State has the largest mangrove cover? – West Bengal
- What is the minimum canopy density for Very Dense Forest? – 70%
- What canopy density defines Open Forest? – 10% to 40%
- Forest cover includes land of more than how many hectares? – 1 hectare
- What target of forest cover did the National Forest Policy 1988 set? – 33% of the area
- What is India's NDC target for additional carbon sink by 2030? – 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent
9. How to revise this topic
Start with the basics: Forest Survey of India, Dehradun, every two years since 1987; ISFR 2023 is the 18th report.
Next, learn the definitions: forest cover (over 1 ha, over 10% canopy), tree cover, recorded forest; density classes 70%, 40-70%, 10-40%.
Then fix the numbers: 21.76% forest, 3.41% tree, 25.17% total; mangroves 4,992 sq km.
Finally, remember the leaders and targets: MP largest area, Lakshadweep highest share, West Bengal mangroves; 33% target of 1988 policy; NDC carbon sink 2.5-3 billion tonnes.
10. Frequently Asked Questions
What is the India State of Forest Report?
It is a report published every two years by the Forest Survey of India, Dehradun, that measures India's forest cover, tree cover, mangroves and carbon stock using satellite data and field surveys.
What is India's forest cover as per ISFR 2023?
Forest cover is 21.76% of India's area and tree cover is 3.41%, making a total of 25.17% under forest and tree cover.
Which State has the largest forest cover in India?
As per ISFR 2023, Madhya Pradesh has the largest forest and tree cover by area, followed by Arunachal Pradesh and Maharashtra.
What is the difference between forest cover and tree cover?
Forest cover is land over 1 hectare with more than 10% tree canopy. Tree cover is tree patches smaller than 1 hectare outside recorded forests.
What forest target did the National Forest Policy set?
The National Forest Policy, 1988 set a goal of bringing 33% of India's area under forest or tree cover, and two-thirds in hilly areas.
For more on this topic, see our Forests and Vegetation of India, Tiger Reserves and Biosphere Reserves and Wildlife Protection Act posts, or browse the Geography section. Preparing for SSC or State exams? Start with the SSC CGL guide or join the 100 Hour GS Course.