State of the Forest Report 2017 and the Fate of Indian Cities
The Forest Survey of India came out with the “State of the Forest Report 2017” which gives us a clear picture whether our cities are becoming greener or losing their green cover. The biennial report is based on satellite data which is at least a year old.
In the most populous and geographically large state of Uttar Pradesh, the green cover has increased and is now at 9.1% of its geographical area compared to 8.9% earlier. However, this increase in percentage still falls short of the national average of 33%. In Uttar Pradesh, as many as 24 districts show negative growth in forest cover. These include small and medium towns in the state like Shravasti, Gonda, Maharajganj, Mainpuri, Sitapur, Jaunpur, Blai, Basti, Etah, Deoria and Barabanki.
There is some good news for the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow. According to the Report, Lucknow’s green cover has increased by 39 square kilometres between 2013 and 2016. Lucknow’s double digit growth in green cover includes forest cover (plantation on forest land) and tree cover (plantation on land other than forest). Especially significant is the plantation work in Kukrail that has contributed immensely to this green growth. In addition, green belts- plantation on at least two hectares of land in urban and five hectares in adjoining areas at several places have made the difference.
Like What You’ve Read ? Press the 👏and Share🗣️ to Help Others find it !
