ISFR 2023 Delay

The India State of Forest Report (ISFR), an essential resource that assesses the country’s forest cover, has faced an unusual delay in its release, sparking discussions among forestry officials and environmentalists. Published by the Forest Survey of India (FSI) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the ISFR has been a crucial biennial publication since 1991, serving as a cornerstone for forest-related data in India.

Understanding the ISFR

The ISFR provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of forests in India. Since its inception, it has been released every two years, making it a critical source of information for policymakers, researchers, and environmental advocates. The report plays a vital role in shaping environmental policies and assessing the health of India’s forest ecosystems.

Reasons Behind the ISFR 2023 Delay

The 2023 edition of the ISFR marks only the second time the report’s release has been postponed—the first delay occurred in 2007. Speculation suggests the delay might be linked to a potential decline in forest cover, causing hesitancy within the government to release the data. The previous report was published in 2021.

Highlights from the Previous Report

The 2021 ISFR reported that India’s forest cover stood at 713,789 square kilometers, showing a slight increase from the 2019 data. However, some experts have questioned the report’s methodology, arguing that the classification criteria might misrepresent the true state of forest health.

Recent Changes in Forest Legislation

In recent years, amendments were made to the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, now renamed the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 2023. These legislative changes could pave the way for the use of certain forest areas, which are not officially documented, for developmental purposes. This has raised concerns among environmentalists and former forest officials about the potential environmental impact of such developments.

Legal Oversight and Transparency

In February 2024, the Supreme Court mandated the MoEFCC to publish State Expert Committee (SEC) reports online to enhance transparency in forest classification. This order followed earlier landmark rulings, such as the 1996 TN Godavarman case, which underscored the importance of protecting India’s forests.

Alarming Trends in Deforestation

Global Forest Watch data reveals a significant loss of tree cover in India between 2001 and 2023, with around 95% of this loss occurring in natural forests. These findings challenge claims that India’s forest cover is on the rise, highlighting the discrepancies between reported data and on-the-ground realities.

Government’s Stand on Forest Cover

MoEFCC Minister Bhupender Yadav has acknowledged the loss of some forest areas to development but highlighted compensatory afforestation efforts from 2013 to 2023 as a countermeasure. Despite these initiatives, questions remain about the reliability of the data, particularly given the heavy reliance on satellite imagery, which can sometimes misinterpret forest conditions.

Issues with Forest Classification Data

Analysis of past ISFR reports reveals inconsistencies, particularly in the classification of unclassified forests. Drastic changes in reported forest cover in states like Odisha and Goa have fueled skepticism regarding the accuracy and consistency of the data provided.

The delay of the ISFR 2023 release and the concerns surrounding forest data highlight the need for a more transparent and accurate assessment of India’s forests, ensuring that conservation efforts are based on reliable information.