The Union Environment Ministry and Forest Survey of India (FSI) have rejected claims by the Global Forest Watch (GFW) project that India lost 2.33 million hectares of tree cover between 2001 and 2023. In a joint affidavit filed before the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the two institutions described GFW’s data as “devoid of facts, ground reality, and internationally accepted norms.”
Background
GFW’s data suggested that India experienced significant tree cover loss, with 60% of it concentrated in the Northeastern states of Assam, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Manipur. The report also estimated annual carbon dioxide emissions of 51 million tonnes due to the loss.
The Ministry and FSI’s Rebuttal
The joint affidavit dismissed GFW’s methodology, emphasizing discrepancies in its criteria and assessment approach. According to the affidavit:
- Data Standards: GFW relies on satellite data and a standardized definition of forests from the Food and Agriculture Organization, focusing on biophysical criteria such as tree height and canopy cover. However, it does not consider land use, integral to India’s forest monitoring.
- ISFR Approach: India’s biennial India State of Forest Report (ISFR), produced by the FSI, includes all lands larger than one hectare with over 10% tree canopy cover, irrespective of ownership or legal status. It also accounts for tree patches under one hectare outside forest areas.
Claims of Net Forest Gain
The affidavit highlighted that according to the ISFR 2021:
- India’s forest cover increased by 58,891 sq km between 2001 and 2021.
- Tree cover grew by 14,277 sq km during the same period.
- This translates to a total gain of 74,168 sq km in forest and tree cover over two decades.
Disputed Emissions Figures
The Ministry further argued that the claim of significant carbon dioxide emissions due to tree cover loss was baseless, given the net gain in forest and tree cover reported by ISFR.
Definitional Debate
While ISFR’s inclusion of tree-lined avenues, orchards, bamboo, and palm plantations in forest cover calculations has faced criticism from experts, the Ministry defended this practice, emphasizing it aligns with India’s unique land use dynamics.
GFW’s Findings in Context
GFW had reported that 18% of India’s tree cover loss stemmed from a reduction in humid primary forests by 4.14 lakh hectares, predominantly in the Northeast. However, the Ministry contended that these findings were inconsistent with ground realities and the comprehensive assessment undertaken by FSI.
Looking Ahead
The current forest survey cycle, ISFR 2023, is delayed, and its findings are expected to provide updated insights. Meanwhile, the NGT will continue deliberating on the substantial issues raised by GFW’s data.
This debate underscores the challenges of harmonizing global and local methodologies in forest monitoring, particularly for a country with diverse ecosystems and complex land use patterns.
