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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 02nd April 2025

Home / UPSC / Current Affairs / Forest areas encroached in 25 States, Union Territories: MP, Assam worst affected

Forest areas encroached in 25 States, Union Territories: MP, Assam worst affected

Forest areas encroached in 25 States, Union Territories

Why in News?

Over 13,000 sq km of forest land across 25 Indian states and UTs is under encroachment, with Madhya Pradesh and Assam being the most affected, according to the Environment Ministry’s report to the NGT.

Forest areas encroached in 25 States, Union Territories; MP, Assam worst affected

Introduction

  • A significant portion of India’s forest land, totaling over 13,000 square kilometers, is currently under encroachment across 25 States and Union Territories, according to data submitted by the Union Environment Ministry to the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
  • This encroached area is larger than the combined geographical area of Delhi, Sikkim, and Goa.  
  • The NGT had previously taken suo motu cognizance of a report last year that indicated over 7,506 sq km of forest area was under encroachment.
  • Following this, the NGT directed the Environment Ministry to compile comprehensive data on forest encroachment from all states and UTs.  
  • The latest report, submitted to the NGT last week, reveals that as of March 2024, 13,056 sq km of forest area has been encroached upon by 25 states and UTs that have provided data.

Understanding Forest Area (RFA)

  • The report clarifies that “Recorded Forest Area” includes land officially designated as forest by the government, regardless of whether it has tree cover.
  • This area is further categorized into reserved forests, protected forests, and unclassed forests with varying levels of protection and permitted activities.  

Efforts to Remove Encroachment

  • The ministry’s report also indicates that encroachment has been removed from 77 sq km of forest land so far.
  • However, it remains unclear if this area has been excluded from the total figure of encroached land as of March 2024.  

Government Action

  • The Union Environment Ministry has been actively pursuing data collection from states and UTs, sending multiple letters and reminders, and holding meetings to obtain the required information in a standardized format.  

Key Findings

  • Total Encroached Forest Area:
    • As of March 2024, 13,056 sq km of forest land is under encroachment across 25 States and UTs.
    • This is larger than the combined area of Delhi, Sikkim, and Goa.
  • Majorly Affected States:
    • Madhya Pradesh: 5,460.9 sq km (Highest encroachment)
    • Assam: 3,620.9 sq km
    • Karnataka: 863.08 sq km
    • Maharashtra: 575.54 sq km
    • Arunachal Pradesh: 534.9 sq km
    • Odisha, UP, Mizoram, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh also have significant encroachments.
  • States Yet to Submit Data:
    • Bihar, Haryana, HP, Rajasthan, Telangana, WB, Nagaland, Delhi, J&K, Ladakh are yet to provide their figures.
  • Forest Classification & Protection:
    • Forest areas in India fall under Reserved Forests, Protected Forests, and Unclassed Forests.
    • Reserved forests enjoy the highest protection, while unclassed forests have the least restrictions.
  • Government Action:
    • 409.77 sq km of encroached land has been cleared.
    • The Environment Ministry has issued multiple reminders to states for data submission.

Implications

  • Deforestation & Ecological Impact: Encroachment leads to habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity, and climate change effects.
  • Legal & Policy Challenges: Stricter enforcement and rehabilitation plans are needed to prevent encroachment.
  • Need for Comprehensive Data: With several states yet to report, the real extent of encroachment could be even higher.

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