Forest Areas Encroached In 25 States, UTs; MP, Assam Worst Affected: Govt Report

GUWAHATI: Over 13,000 square kilometers of forest cover in India is now under encroachment, according to a latest report submitted by the Union Environment Ministry to the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The figure surpasses the combined geographical area of Delhi, Sikkim, and Goa. The NGT had previously taken cognizance of encroachment issues following a media report that highlighted 7,50,648 hectares (approximately 7,506.48 sq km) of forest land under encroachment.

As of March 2024, the ministry's report indicates that a total of 13,05,668.1 hectares (or 13,056 sq km) of forest area is affected across 25 states and Union Territories (UTs) that have provided data. The UTs and states encompass Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, etc. Madhya Pradesh has the largest encroachment with 5,460.9 sq km, followed by Assam that has 3,620.9 sq km of its forest land under encroachment.

Other major states with encroachment include Karnataka (863.08 sq km), Maharashtra (575.54 sq km), and Odisha (405.07 sq km). The report further stated that 409.77 sq km of encroached forest land has been cleared, although it is not certain whether this has been incorporated in the total encroached area.

The ministry has attempted to gather data from states via various reminders and meetings, emphasizing the necessity for reporting forest encroachment.

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