Question

According to the Forest Survey of India (ISFR 2021), the total forests and tree cover in India constitutes ____of the total geographical area of India.

• A. 62%
• B. 71%
• C. 33%
• D. 2.91%

Hint:

Remember: 21 (Forest) + 3 (Tree) \(\approx\) 24% (Total). We are still ~9% away from the national target of 33%.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for the latest official statistics on India's green cover from the biennial State of Forest Report (ISFR). It specifically distinguishes between "forest cover" and "total forest and tree cover."
Detailed Explanation:

• Forest Cover: Refers to all lands more than one hectare in area, with a tree canopy density of more than 10%, irrespective of land use and legal status. According to ISFR 2021, this is 71%.

• Tree Cover: Refers to tree patches outside the recorded forest area less than one hectare in size. According to ISFR 2021, this is 2.91%.

• Total Forest and Tree Cover: This is the sum of both the above categories. \[ 71\% (\text{Forest}) + 2.91\% (\text{Tree}) = 62\% \]

• Goal: The National Forest Policy goal is 33% (C).

Step 2: Final Answer:
According to ISFR 2021, the total forest and tree cover of India is 62%.