Vanishing Green: The Alarming Decline of Forest Cover in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand
The Himalayan states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are experiencing a concerning decline in forest cover, posing significant threats to their fragile ecosystems. Analyzing these trends in parallel provides a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and underscores the urgency for conservation efforts. Forest Cover Statistics According to the India State of Forest Report 2021, Himachal Pradesh's forest area spans approximately 15,100 square kilometers, accounting for 27.12% of its geographical area. Uttarakhand boasts a forest cover of about 24,295 square kilometers, representing 45.43% of its total area. Despite these figures, both states have witnessed reductions in dense forest areas due to various anthropogenic pressures. Wikipedia +1 Foreign Service Institute +1 Urban Expansion and Land Use Changes Urbanization has been a significant driver of deforestation in these regions. A study by the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS) highlighted a substantial i...