Which Indian State Has The Largest Forest Cover By Area?

Forests play an important role in maintaining ecological balance, supporting biodiversity, and sustaining livelihoods. In a diverse and environmentally rich country like India, forests and trees cover about 8,27,357 sq km, which is 25.17 per cent of the geographical area of India.  Among all Indian states, the extent of forest cover varies significantly due to geographic, climatic and demographic factors. Identifying the largest forest area covered by states is not only important for geographical stability but also for environmental planning and policy-making.

In this article, we will explore which Indian state has the largest forest cover by area.

Which Indian state has the largest forest cover by area?

As per PIB, Madhya Pradesh holds the largest forest cover by area, about 77,073 sq km, followed by Arunachal Pradesh (65,882 sq km) and Chhattisgarh (55,812 sq km). The report is of the India State of Forest Report, which was released by the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, bringing the 18th report since 1987.

Area Statement

State-Level Highlights on Forest Report :

• As per the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, Madhya Pradesh affirmed the largest reduction in forest and tree cover among all states, with a loss of approximately 612.41 sq km — a decline roughly equal to the size of Indore city.
• Despite this decline, Madhya Pradesh still maintains the highest forest cover in India, spreading over 77,073 sq km, which constitutes around 25% of the state’s total geographical area.
• A major part of the forest cover loss — about 344.77 sq km — occurred outside the Recorded Forest Area, highlighting increased pressure on unprotected forest lands.
• In contrast, the highest gain in forest and tree cover was noted in Chhattisgarh, which added around 684 sq km to its green cover.
• Madhya Pradesh continues to lead in bamboo-bearing area, holding approximately 20,421 sq km. It also recorded the second-largest increase in bamboo area, with an addition of 2,027 sq km.
• The state also ranks second in India in terms of carbon stock, storing an estimated 608 million tonnes (Mt) of carbon, a crucial component for climate regulation.
  

Forest Cover Trend in Madhya Pradesh (2019–2023):

District-Level Forest Distribution in Madhya Pradesh:

Districts with Highest Forest Cover (% of Area):

• Umaria – 55%
• Balaghat – 53%
• Sheopur – 52%

Districts with Lowest Forest Cover (% of Area):

• Ujjain – 0.68%
• Shajapur – 0.84%
• Agar Malwa – 1.83%

Forest Cover in Urban Districts (2023 vs. 2021):

• Gwalior stands out among the major urban districts by registering a significant increase of 9.5% in forest cover since 2021.
• Jabalpur experienced the highest forest loss, followed by Indore.
• Bhopal not only had the lowest forest cover among these districts but also saw a marginal decline of 0.5%.

Severe Forest Loss in Specific Districts:

• Damoh recorded the steepest drop, with an 85% loss in forest cover.
• Sagar followed closely, registering a 71% reduction compared to 2021 data.