Present a note on the key features of the India's State of Forest Report 2015 of Forest Survey of India.

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Ghissu Editorial · Accepted Answer

The Forest Survey of India's ISFR 2015 mapped forest cover by satellite and ground checks, classing patches above one hectare with over 10% canopy as very dense, moderately dense or open forest. It put forest cover at 21.34% of India's area but warned of declining growing stock and degradation.

**Introduction**

The India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2015 by the Forest Survey of India provides a detailed assessment of forest resources using satellite data and ground verification, informing forest management and climate policies.

**Institutional Framework and Data Methodology**

1. **Forest Cover Definition and Classification**: Forest cover includes all land with >10% canopy density over one hectare, classified into Very Dense, Moderately Dense, and Open Forest for detailed analysis.

2. **Remote Sensing and Coordination**: Uses satellite imagery combined with ground truthing; FSI coordinates with state forest departments under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

**Forest Cover Trends and Challenges**

1. **Forest Cover Status and Regional Variation**: ISFR 2015 put India’s forest cover at about 21.34% of its area, with dense forests in the northeast and central regions, and sparse cover in arid zones.

2. **Increase in Forest Cover and Degradation Concerns**: Gains in moderately dense and open forests reflect afforestation efforts and schemes like the National Afforestation Programme⟦2⟧, but declining growing stock signals degradation risks.

**Policy Implications and Way Forward**

1. **Monitoring and Community Involvement**: Calls for improved forest quality monitoring and integrating forest-dependent communities’ rights under the Forest Rights Act.

2. **Balancing Development and Conservation**: Emphasizes stricter regulatory frameworks like the Forest Conservation Act and compensatory afforestation under CAMPA.

3. **Promoting Agroforestry**: Supports policies like the National Agroforestry Policy to expand tree cover beyond forests.

**Conclusion**

ISFR 2015 highlights progress and challenges in India’s forest management, guiding future sustainable and climate-resilient policies.

Present a note on the key features of the India's State of Forest Report 2015 of Forest Survey of India.

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