An analysis of the temporal changes in the forests of Himachal Pradesh- A review
Plantation drives and conservation initiatives have led to 25% increase in the total forest cover of Himachal Pradesh (HP) in 24 years from 1991 to 2015, says an analytical study conducted by the state centre on climate, Shimla. All districts of the state, barring Kinnaur, recorded a substantial increase in the forest cover during this period, mentions the report titled ‘An analysis of the temporal changes in the forests of Himachal Pradesh -- A review’. The report was released in January this year. The report is based on the analysis of biennial assessments of the forest cover by the Forest Survey of India. As per the report, the total forest cover of the state increased from 11,780 sq km in 1991 to 14,696 sq km in 2015 -- a spike of 24.8%. The tribal district of Lahaul and Spiti saw the maximum increase of 1,047% with its total forest cover amplifying from just 17 sq km to 195 sq km during the period of 24 years.
