According to the latest India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2021, a wall-to- wall mapping exercise based on remote sensing supported by ground verification and field data from National Forest Inventory, the total forest cover of the India is 7,13,789 square kilometer which is 21.71% of the geographical area of the country. The current assessment shows that the total forest cover of India increased by 1540 square kilometre, tree cover increased by 721 square kilometer and total forest and tree cover increased by 2261 square kilometre at the national level as compared to the previous assessment i.e. ISFR 2019.
In context with Jammu and Kashmir, the geographical area 54,624, Total Forest Cover is 21,387. In other words, the percentage of geographical area is 39.15.
According to the information given by the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav in a reply in Lok Sabha on December 12, afforestation programmes are taken up under various Centrally Sponsored Schemes of the Ministry such as National Mission for a Green India (GIM), one of the eight Missions outlined under the National Action Plan on Climate Change. As per the minister, it aims at protecting, restoring and enhancing India’s forest cover and responding to Climate Change by undertaking plantation activities in the forest and non- forest areas.
Beyond doubt, the loss of forest cover has exacerbated the effects of climate change, opening the door to flash floods and soil erosion. Consequences are lesser crop yields, negative impact on local economies and disruptions of food supply patterns on a wider scale.
Humanity must launch a multi-pronged offensive to beat climate change. Tree planting can be one of those prongs. According to a recent official report, a vast forest area in Jammu and Kashmir is facing degradation due to various factors. It in turn threatens the survival of many species, and reduces the ability of forests to provide essential services.
While government efforts towards increasing the green cover are welcome, the effects of degradation of forests are already visible due to accelerated soil erosion, flash floods, silting up of reservoirs, loss of biodiversity and reduced forest productivity.
Jammu and Kashmir has been known for its greenery all over the world. People have been for ages depending on forests for timber and other services for construction and nourishing herbs besides other numerous benefits. More efforts are needed to save and protect the forests.
