India Records Increased Primary Forest Loss in 2024, Northeastern States Highly Affected
India experienced a continued degradation of its primary forests in 2024, with the loss of 18,200 hectares of these ecologically vital ecosystems, an increase from the 17,700 hectares lost in 2023. This data, from Global Forest Watch (GFW), underscores an ongoing challenge in preserving the nation's most valuable forest areas despite some historical gains in overall tree cover.
Forest Degradation and Carbon Impact
Since 2001, India has lost approximately 2.31 million hectares of tree cover, representing a 7.1% decrease since the year 2000 and contributing an estimated 1.29 gigatonnes of CO₂ equivalent emissions. Specifically concerning humid primary forests, 348,000 hectares were lost between 2002 and 2024, accounting for 15% of the total tree cover loss during this period and a 5.4% reduction in such forest area. In 2024 alone, 93% of all tree cover loss occurred within natural forests. Separately, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reported India's deforestation rate at approximately 668,000 hectares annually between 2015 and 2020.
Agricultural Expansion and Northeastern States Bear Brunt
The primary driver for this extensive deforestation remains agricultural expansion, which accounted for the loss of 620,000 hectares of tree cover between 2001 and 2024. Other significant contributors include logging (182,000 hectares) and, to a lesser extent, settlements and infrastructure development (30,600 hectares). This loss is not evenly distributed, with four northeastern states—Assam (340,000 hectares), Mizoram (334,000 hectares), Nagaland (268,000 hectares), and Manipur (255,000 hectares)—accounting for 52% of India's total tree cover loss during this 23-year period. Meghalaya also reported substantial losses.
It is noted, however, that between 2000 and 2020, India did experience a net gain in overall tree cover amounting to 874,000 hectares. The continued loss of primary forests in 2024, particularly driven by agricultural expansion and concentrated in the ecologically sensitive northeastern region, presents a significant environmental concern for India. While historical data indicates periods of net gain in overall tree cover, the persistent degradation of primary forests emphasise the urgent need for conservation strategies and sustainable land management practices to protect these invaluable natural resources.
