Amal Philip and Nirupama Elzabath K.
Abstract
This study basically focuses on an overview of the dynamics of change of forest cover in India using data from the World Bank from 1990 to 2021. This research involves the quantification and analysis of trends in forest cover across different states and classes of forest types, drivers of change, and, finally, assessing the impact of conservation policy. Using World Bank reports, we adopted statistical modeling tools to assess the changes in forest cover, density, and composition. The study integrated other databases on the determinants of socioeconomics, climatic variables, and policy implementations to get an insight into the complex interplay of human activities, environmental conditions, and forest ecosystems. The results bring out a more nuanced picture of changes in forest cover across the country: Presently, some states show significant gains due to successful state policy related to afforestation, capsule restoration programs, and strict protection being followed, while in others, there were persistent pressures of deforestation, linked to urbanization, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure development. Among the various forest types, the denser forests were relatively more resilient to change compared to open and scrub forests, which showed a higher level of vulnerability to anthropogenic and-climate-induced pressures. Policy impact analysis results suggest that while the forest management at community level and the intensity of site-specific conservation interventions yielded effective results, there is also concern regarding qualitative maintenance of forests and biodiversity amidst quantitative increase in forest covers. The value that this research brings is in adding more scope to understanding Indiaââ¬â¢s forest dynamics and in offering, through evidence-based recommendations, policy tools for policymakers. Specific strategies and appropriate management must be a priority in regional needs, perspective monitoring, and integrated land-use planning that can ensure sustainability in forest management and conservation in the face of growing environmental challenges.