New Delhi, Aug 3 — The forest and tree cover of the country is 8.27 lakh sq km, which is 25.17 per cent of the total geographical area of the country, according to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, the Lok Sabha was informed on Monday.
Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh, in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha, said the forest and tree cover of the country has increased by 1,445.81 sq km as compared to the last assessment of ISFR 2021.
He said the diversion of forest land for non-forestry purposes, including infrastructure projects, is regulated under the provisions of the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980 and the rules and guidelines issued thereunder.
Proposals involving diversion of forest land are examined on a case-to-case basis taking into consideration forestry, wildlife and environmental perspectives, he said.
While considering such proposals, emphasis is given to minimise the requirement of forest land and to avoid or reduce fragmentation of forests, he said.
Talking about mining proposals in forest areas, the Minister of State said the government assesses the environmental and ecological impacts of mining proposals in forest areas through the statutory appraisal processes prescribed under the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980, the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, and other applicable laws and rules.
He said mining proposals in forest areas are examined on a case-to-case basis, taking into account site-specific ecological features, likely impacts on wildlife and habitats, and the mitigation measures proposed.
The MoS said the diversion of forest land for non-forestry purposes, including infrastructure projects, is regulated under the provisions of the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980 and the rules and guidelines issued thereunder.
Kirti Vardhan Singh said a network of protected areas, namely, National Parks, Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves covering important wildlife habitats has been notified all over the country under the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, to conserve wild animals and their habitats.
The number of Protected Areas has increased to 1134. Further, there are 58 Tiger Reserves and 33 Elephant Reserves. In addition, for maintaining ecological connectivity, 32 tiger corridors and 150 Elephant corridors have been identified, he said.