Forest Distribution in India

Introduction : Indian Forestry

National Forestry Policy, 1988

Country's Profile

Forest Cover

Forest Degradation

Protected Area

INTRODUCTION : Indian Forestry
Sustainability of forest ecosystem is an essential component of the environmental conservation efforts and any degradation of forests will have an adverse impact on various systems such as water resources, agriculture, biodiversity, environment, climate and human health, besides, the subsistence living of tribals and other communities living in and aro und forest areas. Therefore, the functions with respect to conservation of soil, water and biodiversity are vital for the welfare of present and future generations.

Having about 2.5% of the world's geographic area, India at present is supporting 16% of the planet's planets human population and 18% of the cattle population. About 41% of forest cover of the country has already been degraded and dense forests are losing their crown density and productivity continuously.

A large number of India's livestock population graze in forests causing serious damage to regeneration and productivity. The use of forests beyond its carrying capacity and encroachments are the main cause of continuous degradation of forests. At present, 70% of the forests have no natural regeneration and 55% of them are prone to fires.

To reverse the process of degradation and for sustainable development of forests, the Government of India has prepared the National Forestry Action Programme, a comprehensive strategic plan to address the issue underlying the major problems of the forestry sector.

The objective is to enhance the contribution of Forestry and Tree Resources to ecological stability and people centered development through qualitative and quantitative improvements in the forest resources. The exercise has been financially supported by the UNDP project IND/93/021.

COUNTRY'S PROFILE
India is the biggest democracy in the world, having seventh largest geographical area (328.7 million ha) and second largest population (about 950 million). It has 26 states and 6 union territories. It has a Union Government having its centre at New Delhi . State Governments having different Capital Administer States.

There is much diversity in geographical features; towering Himalayas in the north; Thar desert, Aravalli Hills and Semi Arid plains in the west; Vindhyachal Mountains in the center; Deccan plateau in the south; Western and Eastern Ghats with Coastal plains to the east and west and the north-east region with variety of biodiversity.

Most of the forests in the country are State owned and they are managed by the State Governments on the basis of long term working plans approved by the Union Government. State governments at their own are doing the programmes of extension forestry and other works related to the development of Forestry.

Project Tiger

Wildlfe Conservation Activities in National Parks

Tigers India - Fact File

Tiger Distribution in India

Forest Distribution in India