Assam and Northeast Witness Alarming Forest Cover Loss, ISFR 2023 Reveals

Assam lost 83.92 sq km of forest cover from 2021 to 2023, as per the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023. Forest cover within Assam’s “recorded forest area” decreased by 86.66 sq km, while canopy density degraded across 1,699 sq km. The Northeast overall saw a total forest loss of 327.30 sq km, with Mizoram losing the most at 178.42 sq km.

Arunachal Pradesh recorded the highest regional forest cover loss at 1,084 sq km but remains India’s leader in carbon stock at 1,021 Mt, followed by Assam at 272 Mt.

The report highlighted ecological concerns over the expansion of rubber plantations in Tripura, which now cover 11.90% of the state’s geographical area. The rapid conversion of natural forests into monoculture plantations threatens biodiversity, urging sustainable practices.