A recent government report has revealed alarming figures about the scale of forest encroachment in India. Over 13,000 square kilometers of forest land have been encroached upon across 25 states and Union Territories (UTs), raising concerns about environmental sustainability and biodiversity loss. The worst-affected states are Assam and Madhya Pradesh, where vast tracts of green cover have been illegally occupied.
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According to the Union Environment Ministry, this encroached forest area is larger than the combined geographical size of Delhi, Sikkim, and Goa. The findings, presented to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), underscore the urgent need for policy interventions and stricter enforcement of forest conservation laws.
The Scale of Encroachment: A Breakdown
As per government data, here is the state-wise distribution of forest encroachment:
States with the Highest Encroachments
- Madhya Pradesh: 5,460.9 sq km
- Assam: 3,620.9 sq km
- Karnataka: 863.08 sq km
- Maharashtra: 575.54 sq km
- Arunachal Pradesh: 534.9 sq km
- Odisha: 405.07 sq km
- Uttar Pradesh: 264.97 sq km
- Mizoram: 247.72 sq km
- Jharkhand: 200.4 sq km
- Chhattisgarh: 168.91 sq km
Other Notable States
- Tamil Nadu: 157.68 sq km
- Andhra Pradesh: 133.18 sq km
- Gujarat: 130.08 sq km
- Punjab: 75.67 sq km
- Uttarakhand: 49.92 sq km
- Kerala: 49.75 sq km
- Tripura: 42.42 sq km
- Andaman & Nicobar Islands: 37.42 sq km
- Manipur: 32.7 sq km
These numbers indicate a widespread crisis that is not limited to a single region but spans across diverse ecological zones in India.
Factors Driving Forest Encroachment
Several key factors contribute to this large-scale encroachment:
- Population Pressure: Rising population in rural and urban areas has increased the demand for land, leading to illegal settlements in forest regions.
- Agricultural Expansion: Many encroachments occur due to agricultural activities, where forest land is cleared for farming.
- Infrastructure Development: Roads, highways, and urban expansion projects contribute significantly to forest land occupation.
- Weak Enforcement of Laws: Lack of strict implementation of the Forest Conservation Act (1980) allows encroachments to persist.
- Illegal Logging & Land Mafias: Organized groups engage in illegal deforestation and land grabbing.
Government Measures and Challenges
Current Initiatives
The government has taken several steps to tackle the encroachment problem:
- Legal Action & Evictions: Authorities have cleared encroachments from 409.77 sq km of forest land.
- Satellite Monitoring: Advanced technology is being used to track illegal activities in forest regions.
- Afforestation Drives: Programs like the Green India Mission aim to restore deforested areas.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Encouraging local communities to participate in conservation efforts.
Major Challenges
- Lack of Coordination: Different government departments often work in silos, leading to ineffective action.
- Political Influence: Encroachers often have political backing, making eviction difficult.
- Legal Loopholes: Lengthy legal battles allow encroachments to continue.
States Yet to Submit Data
Despite the alarming situation, several states and UTs have not yet provided data on forest encroachments. These include:
- Bihar
- Haryana
- Himachal Pradesh
- Rajasthan
- Telangana
- West Bengal
- Nagaland
- Delhi
- Jammu & Kashmir
- Ladakh
Impact on Biodiversity & Climate Change
Loss of Wildlife Habitat
Forest encroachment leads to the destruction of natural habitats, affecting endangered species such as:
- Asian Elephants
- Bengal Tigers
- One-horned Rhinos
- Red Pandas
Contribution to Climate Change
Deforestation contributes to rising temperatures, unpredictable monsoons, and increased carbon emissions. India has pledged to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions by 2070, but such large-scale encroachment undermines these efforts.
The Way Forward: Solutions & Recommendations
Strengthening Conservation Laws
- Stricter penalties for illegal encroachments
- Fast-tracking court cases related to forest land disputes
Promoting Community Participation
- Incentives for locals to engage in afforestation
- Involvement of tribal communities in conservation programs
Technology & Surveillance
- Use of AI and satellite imagery to track encroachments
- Real-time monitoring through forest ranger mobile applications
Moving Forward
The encroachment of over 13,000 sq km of forest land is a pressing national concern that requires immediate intervention. Stronger legal enforcement, community participation, and technological advancements are crucial in preserving India’s forest heritage. Without urgent action, the country risks severe environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, and an uncertain climate future.
By – Nikita
