AP, Telangana contribute highest for increase in India’s forest cover

HYDERABAD: As per the latest India State of Forest Report (ISFR 2021) released on Thursday, January 13, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana lead the way in the increase of forest cover in the country. The report is prepared by the Forest Survey of India. The maximum surge in forest cover was contributed by Andhra Pradesh with an increase of 647 square kilometre, followed by Telangana with 632 sq km, in the last two years.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) R Shobha said that Telangana achieved this because of the double pronged strategy of increasing the green cover by planting trees outside of forests as part of the Haritha Haram Programme. Secondly, is to increase cover by forest rejuvenation, she added. As per the report, in the last ten years, Hyderabad forest cover has increased by 48.66 sq km, which is because of the pro-active green policy of the Government of Telangana.

Telangana is one of the few states in India which has mandated a policy of planting saplings during the Haritha Haram Programme and the responsibility to protect them is given to the gram panchayats. Those who harm the plant are liable to punishment and a fine of Rs 1000 is charged from them. An official said that in case any cattle or goat destroys the plant, the fine is imposed on the owner by the gram panchayat.

PCCF Shobha also said that the plan is to develop 109 urban forest parks in the state on an area of 5740 acres. She added that 53 projects have been completed and 56 are in progress.