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Forest In India: Definition, Classification, Types, Legal Status, and Conservations

PWOnlyIAS February 27, 2024 05:25 5995 0

Types of Forest in India: India, famous for its rich biodiversity and varied landscapes, is home to numerous forest areas. From the dense jungles of the Western Ghats to the Himalayan temperate forests.

Forest In India: Definition, Classification, Types,  Legal Status, and Conservations

Introduction to Forest 

The word Forest is derived from the Latin phrase ‘Forest’ meaning outdoor, the reference is to a village boundary or fence, and it consists of all uncultivated & uninhabited land. Forests are vast areas predominantly covered with trees, undergrowth, and various plants. They function as important habitats for flora and fauna, offer atmosphere services, and contribute notably to environmental balance. The importance of forests extends beyond ecological elements to encompass social, economic, and cultural components.

Forest Definition

  • A forest is an area with a high density of trees. There are several definitions of forest currently in use,
  • FAO defines forest as having a minimum canopy cover of 10%, minimum tree height in situ of 5 meters, a minimum area of 0.5 hectares, and where agriculture is not the dominant land use. 
  • UNFCCC defines forests as having a minimum canopy cover of 10-30%, minimum tree height of 2-5m and minimum area of 0.1ha.

Forest Definition in India

  • Lack of Uniform Definition
    • Presently, India lacks an acceptable definition of ‘forest’.
  • State Jurisdiction: 
    • States keep the authority to formulate their interpretations of forests.
  • Legal Basis: 

Constitutional Framework For Forest In India

    • Article 51A (G) emphasises the essential obligation of citizens to shield and preserve the natural environment, consisting of forests. 
    • Meanwhile, Article 48 A of the Directive Principles of State Policy mandates Government’s efforts to preserve and improve the environment, consisting of safeguarding forests and the natural world.
  • National Forest Policy: 

Classification Of Forest In India 

Here is the table below that describes the classification of forest In India;

Classification of Indian Forests

Classification of Forests On Administration Basis

(State Forest Departments have jurisdiction over forests notified under the Indian Forest (IF) Act, 1927)

Reserved Forests These forests are under direct supervision of the government and no public entry is allowed for commercial purposes.
Protected Forests are looked after by the government; local people are allowed to collect forest produce and graze cattle without damage.
Unprotected Forests No restrictions on tree cutting or cattle grazing; they occupy 18% of the Total Forest Area (TFA) in the country.

Classification of Forests As Per the Constitution

State Forests Include important forest areas under full government control.
Commercial Forests Owned and managed by local bodies such as municipal corporations and village panchayats.
Private Forests It Is privately owned and covers slightly more than 1% of the TFA.

Classification of Forests Based On Merchantability

Merchantable Forests are accessible for commercial purposes.
Non Merchantable Located in high mountainous peaks, non-accessible.

Classification of Forests Based on Composition

Coniferous Forests Found in the eastern Middle Himalayas and northeastern Indian states; they cover 6.50% of the TFA.
Broadleaf Forests are found in plateaus, plains, and mountainous areas; they cover about 94% of the TFA.
Temperate Forests Tropical and subtropical monsoon forests.

Classification of Forests Based on Forest Cover Density 

(Forest Survey of India Classification)

Very Dense Forests Dense canopy coverage( Cover Density > 70%)
Moderately Dense Forests Moderately dense canopy coverage ( Cover Density 40%-70%)
Open Forests Sparse canopy coverage ( Cover Density 40%-70%)

Types of Forest in India

India, famous for its rich biodiversity and varied landscapes, is home to numerous forest areas. From the dense jungles of the Western Ghats to the Himalayan temperate forests, India boasts an incredible array of ecosystems. Understanding the different forms of forests in India is important for appreciating their ecological significance and the essential role they play in sustaining existence.

Forest in India

Tropical Evergreen Forest in India

Forest In India

Moist Evergreen Forest in India

  • Region: 
    • These forests are broadly speaking determined in southern India, inclusive of the Western Ghats, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and the north eastern area.
  • Climatic Conditions: 
    • Thrive in warm and humid regions with annual precipitation exceeding 200 cm and mean annual temperature above 22°C.
  • Trees: 
    • Known for their towering heights, with some attaining 60 metres or more. 
    • The absence of a described shedding season keeps those forests green year round.
  • Species: 
    • Diverse plants along with Rosewood, Mahogany, Aini, and Ebony, along common trees like jackfruit, betel nut palm, and mango.

Semi Evergreen Forest in India

  • Region: 
    • Predominantly observed in regions with less rainfall compared to moist evergreen forests, which includes components of the Western Ghats, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and the Eastern Himalayas.
  • Trees: 
    • Characterised with a combination of wet evergreen and deciduous timber, with hiking vegetation adding to their evergreen look.
  • Main species: 
    • White cedar, hollock, and kail are outstanding species observed in these forests.

Dry Evergreen Forest in India

  • Region: 
    • Occurs inside the Shivalik Hills and the foothills of the Himalayas as much as a thousand metres inside the north and along the coast of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka in the south.
  • Climatic Conditions: 
    • Experience prolonged warm and dry seasons observed in  winters.
  • Trees: 
    • Dominated through broad leaf evergreen timber with aromatic plant life, along a few deciduous species. Notable trees encompass pomegranate, olive, and oleander.

Tropical Deciduous Forest in India (Monsoon Forests):

Forest In India

Moist Deciduous Forest in India

  • Region: 
    • Predominantly observed within the North Eastern states alongside the foothills of the Himalayas, the Eastern slopes of the Western Ghats, and Odisha.
  • Rainfall: 
    • Thrive in regions with rainfall ranging among 100-200 cm.
  • Trees: 
    • Characterised by way of tall timber with broad, branched trunks. 
    • Some taller species shed their leaves at some stage in the dry season. 
    • Common species encompass Teak, Sal, Shisham, and Sandalwood.

Dry Deciduous Forest in India

  • Region: 
    • Spread across the northern part of the country except inside the north east, in addition to in states like Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
  • Rainfall: 
    • Cover giant areas where rainfall stages between 70-100 cm.
  • Trees: 
    • Shed leaves completely all through the dry season, giving the forest a grassland like look. 
    • Tendu, Palas, Amaltas, and Khair are a few of the commonplace tree species located here.

Thorn Forest in India

  • Rainfall: 
    • Typically located in regions receiving much less than 50cm of annual rainfall.
  • Regions: 
    • Occur in areas with black soil in North, West, Central, and South India, inclusive of semi-arid regions of southwest Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.
  • Vegetation: 
    • Composed of numerous grasses and shrubs, with timber no longer developing past 10 metres. Common species consist of Babul, Acacia, Kokko, and Neem.

Montane Forest In India

Montane Wet Temperate Forest in India

Forest In India

  • Region: 
    • Found in northern and southern India, with denser forests in the north in comparison to the south. 
    • Northern areas encompass components of Arunachal Pradesh, while southern areas consist of elements of the Nilgiri Hills and Kerala.
  • Vegetation: 
    • Diverse, with Rhododendrons, Champa, and diverse ground vegetation being featured.

Montane Subtropical Forest in India

Forest In India

  • Climatic Conditions: 
    • Occur in regions with common rainfall between a hundred 200 cm and temperatures ranging from 15°C to 22°C.
  • Region: 
    • Found within the north-western Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Vegetation: 
    • Mainly composed of Chir (Pine) timber, with Oak, Jamun, and Rhododendron additionally present.

Himalayan Moist Forest in India

Forest In India

  • Region: 
    • Distributed in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the northern hilly parts of Bengal.
  • Elevation: 
    • Found at altitudes ranging from 1000 to 2000 metres.
  • Vegetation: 
    • Comprises Oak, Chestnut, Chir, Sal, and various shrubs and grasses.

Himalayan Dry Temperate Forest in India

  • Region: 
    • Predominantly determined in Jammu & Kashmir, Chamba, Lahaul & Kinnaur districts in Himachal Pradesh, and Sikkim.
  • Vegetation: 
    • Mainly coniferous bushes which include Deodar, Oak, Chilgoza, and Maple, at the side of Olive, Mulberry, and Willow.

Alpine and Subalpine Forests

  • Elevation: 
    • Occur at higher altitudes, with Alpine forests discovered among 2,500 to 4,000 metres and Subalpine forests extending from Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh among 2900 to 3500 metres.
  • Vegetation: 
    • Western Himalayan areas have Juniper, Rhododendron, Willow, and Black Currant, even as Eastern parts have Red Fir, Black Juniper, Birch, and Larch.

Littoral/Swamp Forests

  • Location: 
    • Situated alongside the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the delta regions of the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers, in addition to other significant regions just like the Mahanadi, Godavari, and Krishna deltas.
  • Vegetation: 
    • Characterised via dense and impenetrable forests with constrained plant variety, which includes Mangroves, Whistling Pines, and Bullet wood.

Mangroves

  • Role of Mangroves
    • Mangroves play a critical function in stabilising shores and protecting coastal areas from erosion. 
  • Extent: 
    • Covering over 6,740 sq. Km, India’s mangrove forests represent approximately 7% of the arena’s mangrove forests.
  • Function of Mangroves:
    • These forests serve as natural obstacles, safeguarding coastal areas from storms, tsunamis, and tidal waves, while additionally presenting habitats for various marine species.

India’s State of Forest Report 2021: A Comprehensive Overview

The State of Forests Report of India, compiled by the Forest Survey of India (FSI) and published by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC), provides valuable insights into India’s  Forest cover and biodiversity. The 2021 document, following the 2019 edition, offers a detailed analysis of  Forest area types, distribution, trends, and conservation efforts.

Classification based on Forest Cover Density: The Forest Survey of India (FSI) classifies forests based on canopy density:

Forest Type Cover Density Range Characteristics
Very Dense Forests > 70% Dense canopy coverage
High biodiversity
Limited sunlight penetration
Moderately Dense Forests 40% –  70% Moderately dense canopy coverage
Moderate biodiversity
Some sunlight penetration
Open Forests 10% –  40% Sparse canopy coverage
Lower biodiversity compared to dense forests
Greater sunlight penetration, allowing understory growth

Key Findings On Forest in India

Forest in India

 

Forest In India

New Inclusions Within the Survey

  • For the primary time, the record consists of records on Gir Forest (the only habitat of Asiatic Lions), Tiger Reserves, and Tiger Corridors. 
  • Notably, the survey suggests adjustments in forest cover within these essential habitats.

Increase in Forest Cover

  • India’s total forest area cover has shown a marginal growth of 0.4%, achieving 21.71% of the Country’s geographical region. 
  • Additionally, tree cover has extended with the aid of 721 square km. 
  • Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha turn out to be pinnacle performers in terms of forest area cover increase.

In terms of total area, the list of the top 5 states in terms of Largest Forest Areas in India is:

  1. Madhya Pradesh
  2. Arunachal Pradesh
  3. Chhattisgarh
  4. Odisha
  5. Maharashtra

Considering the forest cover as a percentage of the total geographical area, the top 5 states in the India State of Forest Report are as follows:

  1. Mizoram (84.53%)
  2. Arunachal Pradesh (79.33%)
  3. Meghalaya (76.00%)
  4. Manipur (74.34%)
  5. Nagaland (73.90%)

Regional Performance

  • Telangana leads with a 3.07% growth in forest cover, followed Andhra Pradesh (2.22%) and Odisha (1.04%).
  • Madhya Pradesh continues its popularity because it is the country with the highest Forest area followed by Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Maharashtra.

Forest In India

Mangrove and Bamboo Forests

  • Mangrove forests have witnessed a collective increase of 17 sq. Km, even as bamboo forests have grown by way of approximately 26% from 2019 to 2021.
  • Moreover, the place underneath “Very Dense Forests” has multiplied by around 500 square km.

Decrease in Forest Cover

  • However, several states, primarily in the northeastern area, have experienced a decline in  Forest area cover. 
  • Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland document reduced forest cover, attributed to natural calamities and human activities.

Natural Forest Reduction

  • The record highlights a decline in “Moderately Dense Forests” or “Natural Forests,” coupled with an upward thrust in “Open Forests,” indicating forest degradation. 
  • Increased scrub area indicates complete  Forest degradation in some areas.

This record serves as a valuable tool for policymakers, conservationists, and stakeholders to formulate effective techniques for keeping India’s worthwhile  Forest background.

Threats to Forest in India

Deforestation

  • Illegal Logging and Encroachment
    • Rampant unlawful logging sports for wooden, fuelwood, and other  Forest area merchandise threaten the integrity of India’s forests.
    • Encroachment of  Forest lands for agricultural enlargement, urbanisation, and commercial improvement exacerbates deforestation charges.

Mining and Infrastructure Development

  • Large-scale mining operations and infrastructure projects, together with roads, highways, and dams, frequently result in substantial  Forest area clearance and habitat destruction.

Forest Degradation

  • Unsustainable Land Use Practices
    • Unsustainable land use practices, including transferring cultivation, monoculture plantations, and overgrazing, contribute to forest degradation and loss of biodiversity.
    • Fragmentation of forests because of land conversion results in habitat fragmentation, disrupting ecological processes and diminishing wildlife populations.

Forest Fires

  • Forest fires, each natural and human-prompted, pose an enormous hazard to  Forest ecosystems, particularly at some point in the dry season. These fires now not only damage vegetation but also degrade soil quality and disrupt environmental dynamics.

Climate Change Impacts

  • Changing Weather Patterns
    • Climate change-triggered phenomena, including erratic rainfall, extended droughts, and elevated frequency of intense weather activities, adversely affect  Forest fitness and resilience.

Spread of Invasive Species

  • Changes in temperature and precipitation regimes facilitate the unfolding of invasive species, disrupting native ecosystems and outcompeting indigenous flora and fauna.

Conservation Efforts to Forest India

Protected Areas

  • National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries

  • Biosphere Reserves

    • Biosphere reserves, including the Western Ghats, Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, and Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, serve as crucial ecological hotspots, promoting conservation and sustainable improvement.

Afforestation and Reforestation

  • National Afforestation Programme (2002): 

    • This scheme aims at ecological restoration of degraded forests and to develop the forest resources with peoples’ participation, with focus on improvement in livelihoods of the forest-fringe communities, especially the poor.
  • Green India Mission (2014):

    • The Government of India’s Green India Mission targets to increase forest and tree cover to mitigate climate change, enhance atmosphere services, and improve livelihoods.
    • It aims To increase forest/tree cover to the extent of 5 million hectares and  and improve quality of forest/tree cover on another 5 mha of forest/non-forest lands.
    • It also aims to increase forest based livelihood income of about 3 million households.
  • Joint Forest Management

    • Collaborative efforts among  Forest area departments and local communities through Joint Forest Management (JFM) results in afforestation, reforestation, and sustainable forest management practices.

Community-Based Total Conservation

  • Van Panchayats
    • Van Panchayats, or forest councils, empower nearby communities to participate in Forest  control, conservation, and recreation activities, fostering a feel of ownership and stewardship.

Tribal and Indigenous Forest Rights

  • Recognition of tribal and indigenous forest rights via regulation consisting of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, guarantees their involvement in forest conservation and management.

Policy and Legislation

Forest Conservation Act (1980)

  • The Forest Conservation Act regulates diversion of forest lands for non forest areas, making sure sustainable use and conservation of Forest resources.

Environment Protection Act 1986

  • The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 is an umbrella legislation under which various rules and notifications have been framed and issued to take care of the different dimensions of Forest.

Wildlife (Protection) Act (WPA),1972 

  • The Wildlife (Protection) Act (WPA),1972 provides protection to listed flora and fauna and establishes a network of ecologically important protected areas. 
  • It empowers the central and state governments to declare any area a wildlife sanctuary, national park or closed area. 
  • The Act prohibits hunting of animals except with permission of an authorized officer when animal has become dangerous to human life or property or so disabled or diseased as to be beyond recovery.

National Forest Policy (1988)

  • The National Forest Policy offers a framework for sustainable forest control, biodiversity conservation, and network participation in  Forest area governance.

Conclusion

  • There are different types of forests, including tropical rainforests, temperate forests, deciduous forests, etc, each with its own unique ecosystems and biodiversity. 
  • Conservation of forests is crucial for preserving biodiversity, mitigating climate change, maintaining water cycles, and providing habitat for numerous species, including humans.
  • Addressing threats to forests in India calls for concerted efforts from activity groups, civil society, and neighbouring communities. 
  • By implementing conservation measures and fostering sustainable  Forest control practices, India can shield its worthwhile  Forest area resources for destiny generations.
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