North East India lost 1,020 sq. km. of Forest In 2020-2021

The Ministry of Environment (MoEFCC) released the India State of Forests Report (ISFR) 2021 on 13th January 2022 .

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It states that the north-eastern states have a total forest cover of 1,69,521 square km. , out of the state’s total geographical area of 2,62,179 sq. km. , that makes up 7.98% of the country’s geographical area.

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The eight north eastern states have a forest cover that adds about 23.75 % to the total forest cover of the country.

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Arunachal Pradesh lost most of its forest cover of 257 sq. km. , Meghalaya lost 249 sq. km. , Nagaland 235 sq. km. , Mizoram 186 sq. km. , Meghalaya 73 sq. km. , Assam15 sq. km. , Tripura 4 sq km and Sikkim lost nearly 1 sq. km. of its forest cover.

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That makes up almost 1,020 sq. km. of tree cover loss.

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As per ISFR the loss of tree covers are attributed to shifting cultivation, where forest land is converted into temporary agricultural land and the fields are cultivated for a short time and are abandoned after cultivation.

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The numbers are worrying because India’s northeastern region is one of the 17 biodiversity hotspots declared in the world.

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Even with that, the North East along with Andaman and Nicobar Islands is considered by the current government for the National Mission on Edible Oils, Oil Palm production.

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This move was made to reduce the costs of heavy palm oil imports.

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Many believe that the numbers by ISFR aren’t representing the actual situation on ground.

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The techniques used for the forest survey have loopholes and plantations, man made gardens or even invasive species might also be considered as forest.

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