See Full Document Text
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 126
TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.07.2026
Development on Forest Land
126. DR. MOHAMMAD JAWED:
Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to
state:
(a) the details of forest land cleared across the country for developmental activities during the last
ten years;
(b) the estimated number of trees felled as a result of these activities;
(c) whether the Government has made arrangements to plant equivalent number of trees elsewhere
and if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the details of total number of industrial projects for which forest land has been cleared during
the said period?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND
CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)
(a) to (d): During last ten years i.e. from 1.04.2016 to 31.03.2026, an area of 1,88,487.93 ha of forest
land has been diverted under the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980, including
industrial projects. Diversion of forest land for non-forestry purposes is governed in accordance
with the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980 and the rules made thereunder.
Accordingly, as per the provisions of the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Rules, 2023,
compensatory afforestation is stipulated as a mandatory condition. The information relating to the
number of trees felled under each project is maintained by the respective State/ UT Governments.
Further the Government is implementing the National Mission for a Green India (Green India
Mission), which aims to enhance forest and tree cover, improve ecosystem services including carbon
sequestration, and increase the resilience of forest-dependent communities. In addition, the
Government is implementing various programmes and schemes such as the Compensatory
Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA), Mangrove Initiative for
Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI), Nagar Van Yojana, and other afforestation and
ecological restoration initiatives through the States/UTs for conservation and enhancement of forest
and tree cover and mitigation of climate change impacts.
As per ISFR 2023, the total forest and tree cover of the country has increased to 8,27,357.95 square
kilometer which is 25.17% of the geographical area of the country. As compared to ISFR 2021, the
total forest and tree cover has increased by 1,445.81 sq km.
*****