India's Forest Cover Increases by 1,500 Sq Km: ISFR 2026
The India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2026 reveals a net increase of 1,500 square kilometers in the country's forest and tree cover.
2-Minute Summary (TL;DR)
- India's forest and tree cover increased by 1,500 sq km to 7,41,038 sq km (22.51% of geographical area) as per ISFR 2026.
- Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha recorded the highest gains in forest cover.
- North-Eastern states saw a decline of 647 sq km in forest cover, with Arunachal Pradesh showing the largest loss.
- Mangrove cover increased by 17 sq km to 4,992 sq km.
- The ISFR 2026 report was released by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on May 6, 2026.
- The Forest Survey of India (FSI) prepares the ISFR every two years, using satellite data.
- 36.07% of India's forest cover is prone to forest fires.
- The report includes new assessments on soil carbon stock and the impact of bamboo on forest cover.
How This Topic is Tested in Competitive Exams
| Exam | Frequency | Approx. Marks | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPSC / State PCS | Very High | 12–20 | Environment and Ecology is a separate section in UPSC Prelims. GS-III includes environment, climate change, and disaster management. |
| SSC (CGL / CHSL / MTS) | High | 3–5 | National parks, Ramsar sites, pollution levels, and climate summits appear in SSC GK. |
| State PCS / PSC | High | 5–8 | State PCS papers test both central environment policy and state-specific conservation achievements. |
Key Facts to Remember: India's Forest Cover Increases by 1,500 Sq Km: ISFR 2026
- India's forest and tree cover increased by 1,500 sq km to 7,41,038 sq km (22.51% of geographical area) as per ISFR 2026.
- Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha recorded the highest gains in forest cover.
- North-Eastern states saw a decline of 647 sq km in forest cover, with Arunachal Pradesh showing the largest loss.
- Mangrove cover increased by 17 sq km to 4,992 sq km.
- The ISFR 2026 report was released by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on May 6, 2026.
- The Forest Survey of India (FSI) prepares the ISFR every two years, using satellite data.
- 36.07% of India's forest cover is prone to forest fires.
- The report includes new assessments on soil carbon stock and the impact of bamboo on forest cover.
Practice Questions
Q1. According to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2026, what is the net increase in India's forest and tree cover compared to the 2024 assessment?
- 1,000 square kilometers
- 1,500 square kilometers
- 2,000 square kilometers
- 500 square kilometers
Explanation: The ISFR 2026 report clearly states that there has been a net increase of 1,500 square kilometers in the country's total forest and tree cover compared to the previous assessment in 2024.
Q2. Which of the following states recorded the highest increase in forest cover according to the ISFR 2026?
- Odisha
- Telangana
- Andhra Pradesh
- Karnataka
Explanation: Andhra Pradesh showed the highest gain in forest cover with an increase of 967 sq km, followed by Telangana (866 sq km) and Odisha (537 sq km) as per the ISFR 2026 report.
Q3. The ISFR 2026 report highlights a decline in forest cover in which region of India, primarily due to shifting cultivation and developmental activities?
- Western Ghats
- North-Eastern states
- Central India
- Himalayan region
Explanation: The report notes a decline in forest cover in the North-Eastern states, attributing it mainly to developmental activities and shifting cultivation practices prevalent in the region.
Q4. What was the total mangrove cover of India as reported in the ISFR 2026, and what was the increase from the previous assessment?
- 4,975 sq km, with an increase of 10 sq km
- 4,992 sq km, with an increase of 17 sq km
- 5,010 sq km, with an increase of 20 sq km
- 4,950 sq km, with an increase of 5 sq km
Explanation: The ISFR 2026 report indicates that India's mangrove cover has increased by 17 sq km, reaching a total of 4,992 sq km. This is a positive development for coastal ecosystem protection.
Q5. Which organization is responsible for preparing the India State of Forest Report (ISFR)?
- National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC)
- Botanical Survey of India (BSI)
- Forest Survey of India (FSI)
- Wildlife Institute of India (WII)
Explanation: The Forest Survey of India (FSI), an organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, is responsible for conducting forest-related surveys and preparing the biennial India State of Forest Report (ISFR).
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