Around 12,966 sq.km forest cover in Nagaland, a decrease of 352sq.km from 2011
Our Correspondent
Kohima | April 19
As per the Forest Survey of India’s (FSI) State of Forest Report 2015, the total forest cover in Nagaland State is around 12, 966 sq.km which account for 78.20 % of the total geographical area of the State and constitutes 52% of the total area reported for different land utilization in the State.
Forest cover of the State is classified into Very Dense Forest (VDF), Moderately Dense Forest (MDF) and Open Forest (OP), according to Nagaland Economic Survey (NES) 2016-17 tabled in the recent State Assembly session here by the Parliamentary Secretary for Economics & Statistics Tovihoto Ayemi.
The tree cover (trees outside recorded forest area) of the State is estimated to be 381 sq.km, which is 2.29 % of the geographical area.
“Unfortunately, over the years, degradation of forest and natural resources has become an issue because of the increased use of forest products for economic activities,” the NES report stated.
A comparative analysis of the FSI’s biennial State of Forest Report indicates that Nagaland has lost 352 sq.km in forest cover since 2011. As per data compiled by the FSI in 2013, the state recorded a decrease of 274 sq.km in forest cover – the highest among Indian states at the time - during the period following the compilation of the 2011 report.
The 2015 report indicated a considerable decline in forest cover lost at 78 sq.km as compared to 2013.
Recorded forest area
Recorded forest of Nagaland State is classified into Reserve Forest, Protected Forest and Un-classed forest. As per record available, Recorded Forest in the State covers 52.04 % of its geographical area. Out of the total recorded forest area of 8629 sq.km, Reserved Forest in the State constitutes 0.72 %, protected forests at 5.98 % and un-classed forest constitutes 93.56 %.
District-wise forest cover
Area-wise, Tuensang district (including Longleng and Kiphire) has the largest forest cover with 4, 228 sq.km in the State followed by Kohima district (including Peren) with 3, 283 sq.km and Phek district with 2, 026 sq. km. In percentage terms, during 2015, Kohima district (including Peren) recorded the highest forest cover with 87.21 % and the lowest forest cover was Dimapur district with 54.22 % during 2015.
Forest plantation
To increase the area under forest cover, various programmes are undertaken by the forest department viz. National Afforestation Programme and distribution of seedlings from State nurseries to local communities.
Under the National Forestation Programme all centrally sponsored schemes are clubbed and implemented through Forest Development Agency by forming Village Forest Committee which allows greater participation of local community.
During 2016-17, a total of 2130 hectares was afforested, the survey report added.
