New Delhi, Apr 1: A report from the Union Environment Ministry, submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), reveals that over 13,000 sq km of forest land, an area larger than the combined size of Delhi, Sikkim, and Goa, is under encroachment across 25 states and Union Territories (UTs). This data was provided as part of an ongoing effort to track forest encroachment.
Last year, the NGT had taken suo motu notice of a report based on government figures, which showed that 7,506.48 sq km of forest area—more than five times the size of Delhi—was encroached in India. Following this, the NGT ordered the Environment Ministry to compile detailed encroachment data from all states and UTs in a specific format.
According to the latest report submitted last week, as of March 2024, a total of 13,056 sq km of forest area in 25 states and UTs had been encroached, with data provided by these regions. These include Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and several others. However, some states and UTs, including Bihar, Haryana, and West Bengal, have yet to submit their data.
The encroached areas mostly fall within the Recorded Forest Area (RFA), which is land officially designated as forest by the government, regardless of tree cover. The RFA is classified into three categories: reserved forests, protected forests, and unclassed forests.
The report highlights Madhya Pradesh as the worst affected state, with 5,460.9 sq km of its forest land under encroachment as of March 2024, followed by Assam with 3,620.9 sq km. Other states like Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Odisha also have significant encroached areas. In total, 409.77 sq km of forest land has been cleared of encroachment, though it’s unclear whether this area is factored into the overall encroachment figures.
The Environment Ministry noted that it had repeatedly requested the remaining states and UTs to submit their data, including through reminder letters and meetings, yet some regions have still not complied with the request.
The encroachment issue remains a major concern, especially as it affects biodiversity and forest management across the country.
