Forests play a vital role in preserving the environment. They help maintain ecological stability and support biological diversity. In Uttar Pradesh, forests cover about 6.88% of the state’s total geographical area. Despite this, the state ranks 22nd in India in terms of forest area, according to the India State of Forest Report 2017.
National Forest Policy 1988
According to the National Forest Policy of 1988, one-third of the total area of the country should be under forest or tree cover. Specifically:
- 60% should be in mountainous and hilly regions.
- 25% should be in the plains.
Uttar Pradesh’s Forest Area
Uttar Pradesh has a total geographical area of 2,40,928 sq km. The Uttar Pradesh Forest Corporation, established on 25th November 1974, plays a significant role in managing these forests. The state also celebrates Uttar Pradesh Van Mahotsav annually, a festival that started in 1952 to promote tree planting.
Recorded Forest Area in Uttar Pradesh
As per the India State of Forest Report 2017, the recorded forest area in Uttar Pradesh is 16,582 sq km, which makes up 6.88% of the state’s total area. Notably, the state saw an increase of 278 sq km in forest area compared to the 2015 report.
District-wise Forest Area in Uttar Pradesh
Some districts in Uttar Pradesh have more forest area than others. Here’s a comparison:
| Districts with Largest Forest Area | Forest Area (sq km) | Districts with Lowest Forest Area | Forest Area (sq km) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sonbhadra | 2,539 | Bhadohi (Sant Ravidas Nagar) | 3 |
| Lakhimpur Kheri | 1,274 | Mau | 11 |
| Mirzapur | 805 | Sant Kabir Nagar | 14 |
| Pilibhit | 688 | Mainpuri | 14 |
| Chandauli | 565 | Deoria | 15 |
read more – Geographical Features of Uttar Pradesh
Forest Cover Percentage
Different districts also vary in the percentage of their area covered by forests:
| Districts with Highest Forest Percentage | Forest Area (%) | Districts with Lowest Forest Percentage | Forest Area (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sonbhadra | 36.77 | Bhadohi (Sant Ravidas Nagar) | 0.3 |
| Chandauli | 22.24 | Mainpuri | 0.51 |
| Pilibhit | 18.67 | Deoria | 0.59 |
| Mirzapur | 18.27 | Mau | 0.64 |
| Chitrakoot | 18.22 | Ballia | 0.74 |
Forest Cover in Uttar Pradesh
The total forest cover in Uttar Pradesh is 14,679 sq km, representing 6.09% of the state’s geographical area. Forests in Uttar Pradesh are classified based on canopy density:
- Very Dense Forest (VDF): 2,617 sq km
- Moderately Dense Forest (MDF): 4,069 sq km
- Open Forest (OF): 7,993 sq km
Total Forest and Tree Cover
In addition to forest cover, Uttar Pradesh also has a significant tree cover, which refers to areas with trees outside the recorded forest areas.
| Category | Area (in sq km) |
|---|---|
| Tree Cover | 7,442 |
| Forest Cover | 14,679 |
| Total Forest and Tree Cover | 22,121 |
This combined area represents 9.18% of Uttar Pradesh’s geographical area and 2.76% of India’s total forest and tree cover.
Key Facts to Remember
- Uttar Pradesh Van Mahotsav started in 1952 to promote tree planting.
- Sonbhadra has the largest forest area in the state.
- Bhadohi (Sant Ravidas Nagar) has the smallest forest area.
- 36.77% of Sonbhadra’s area is covered by forests, the highest in the state.
- Uttar Pradesh ranks 22nd in India for total forest area.
Classification of Forests in Uttar Pradesh
Forests in Uttar Pradesh are an essential part of the state’s natural resources. They are classified into different types based on administrative control and specific characteristics. Understanding these classifications is crucial for environmental conservation and the sustainable use of forest resources.
Administrative Classification of Forests
The forests in Uttar Pradesh are categorized into six groups based on their administrative control:
1. Reserved Forests
- Definition: These forests are under the direct control of the State Government.
- Public Access: No public entry is allowed for collecting timber or grazing cattle.
- Forest Area: According to the India State of Forest Report 2017, Uttar Pradesh has 72.79% of its forest area under reserved forests.
2. Protected Forests
- Definition: These forests are managed by the government, but locals are allowed to collect fuel-wood, timber, and graze cattle without causing serious damage.
- Forest Area: As per the India State of Forest Report 2017, Uttar Pradesh has 6.98% of its forest area under protected forests.
3. Unclassed Forests
- Definition: These are forests where there are no restrictions on tree cutting or cattle grazing.
- Forest Area: According to the India State of Forest Report 2017, 20.23% of Uttar Pradesh’s forest area falls under this category.
4. State Forests
- Definition: Completely conserved and controlled by the State Government.
5. Community Forests
- Definition: Managed and controlled by local bodies such as District Councils, Municipal Corporations, Municipalities, or Panchayats.
6. Private Forests
- Definition: Controlled by individual or a group of individuals.
read more –Climate and Soil of Uttar Pradesh
Classification Based on Specific Characteristics
Forests in Uttar Pradesh are also classified based on relief, rainfall, and vegetation types into three main types:
1. Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests
- Rainfall: 100 to 150 cm annually.
- Temperature: Average temperature between 26°C to 27°C.
- Locations: Found in the Bhabar and Terai regions, including districts like Bahraich, Shravasti, Maharajganj, and Pilibhit.
- Key Trees: Dominated by teak, sal, palash, ber, mahua, dhak, amla, jamun, and semal.
2. Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests
- Rainfall: 50 to 100 cm annually.
- Locations: Common in the plains of the Ganga, Yamuna, and their tributaries, especially in Eastern, Central, and Western regions like Lucknow, Raebareli, Unnao, and Ghaziabad.
- Key Trees: Sal, palash, amaltas, bel, anjeer, neem, peepal, sheesham, mango, jamun, and babool.
3. Tropical Thorny Forests
- Rainfall: 50 to 75 cm annually.
- Temperature: Mean annual temperature between 25°C to 27°C.
- Locations: Found mainly in Southern Uttar Pradesh, including Mirzapur, Jhansi, Lalitpur, Mahoba, Chitrakoot, and Banda.
- Key Trees: Babool, thorny legumes, spurge, phulai, khair, dhaman, and neem.
Important Trees of Uttar Pradesh and Their Uses
Here is a summary of some important trees found in Uttar Pradesh and their uses:
| Tree | Uses |
|---|---|
| Chir | Light reddish-brown wood, used for tea chests, matches, furniture, resin, and turpentine. |
| Senegalia Catechu | Known as khair in Hindi; catechu (kattha) is extracted, used for coloring and flavoring paan. |
| Semal | Used for making matchsticks; its seeds produce edible oil used in soap-making and medicine. |
| Gum Acacia (Babool) | Dye extracted from the bark is used for leather items. |
| Tendu Leaves | Leaves are used for making beedis (Indian cigars). |
| Rubber Tree | Stem used to produce natural rubber for various products like shoe soles and mattresses. |
| Date Palm | Fruits are consumed, and leaves are used for weaving baskets; medicinal properties as well. |
| Mahua | Fruit used for oil extraction, flowers used for wine-making. |
| Deodar | Strong wood used in construction, railway sleepers, beams, and window frames. |
| Silver Fir | Softwood used for packing boxes, wood-pulp, paper, and matchsticks. |
| Bamboo | Known as “Poor man’s timber”; used extensively in construction, furniture, and paper-making. |
Uttar Pradesh Forest Policy, 2017
In October 2017, Uttar Pradesh introduced its new State Forest Policy, replacing the earlier policy from 1998. The updated policy focuses on sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, and the welfare of forest dwellers. Below are the key objectives and schemes associated with the Uttar Pradesh Forest Policy, 2017.
Objectives of State Forest Policy, 2017
The key objectives of the Uttar Pradesh Forest Policy, 2017 are:
- Conservation and Development: Improvement of existing natural and planted forests through scientific and sustainable management practices.
- Afforestation and Soil Conservation: Implementation of afforestation and soil conservation schemes on degraded lands such as usar (alkaline soil), khadar (alluvial soil), ravines, and blank forests.
- Forest Dweller-Centric Management: Special emphasis on forest management that benefits forest dwellers.
- Tree Cover Expansion: Increase of tree cover through social and agro-forestry plantations on private lands.
- Carbon Credits: Efforts to earn carbon credits for plantations that meet international standards.
- Soil Erosion Control: Measures to reduce soil erosion, siltation of water bodies, and the impacts of floods and droughts.
- Non-Forest Land Plantations: Promotion of tree plantations on non-forest lands.
- Biodiversity and Wildlife Conservation: Strategies to conserve and improve biodiversity and wildlife within the state.
- Eco-Tourism Development: Development of eco-tourism destinations to promote sustainable tourism.
Forest Development Schemes in Uttar Pradesh
Several forest development schemes have been introduced under the State Forest Policy, 2017. These schemes aim to promote afforestation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable forest management.
1. Forest Festival (Van Mahotsav)
- Overview: Celebrated annually from July 1st to 7th as Van Mahotsav Week, this festival was established by the National Forest Policy, 1952. The theme is “The meaning of the tree is water, water means bread, and bread means life.”
2. Social Forestry
- Overview: A major state-funded scheme initiated in 1979-80 to promote tree plantation.
- Objectives:
- Maintain ecosystems and expand greenery.
- Produce eucalyptus for fuelwood and babool for fodder (though eucalyptus was later excluded due to environmental concerns).
- Plant trees like Moringa (for paper and pulp), Arjun (for matchstick industry), and others for various uses.
- Implementation: Carried out in Scheduled Castes-dominated regions with the help of the Social Welfare Department.
3. Uttar Pradesh Forestry Scheme
- Overview: Launched on March 19, 1998, with World Bank assistance.
- Objectives: First micro plan for eco-development in villages near Dudhwa National Park and National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary, implemented with local community participation.
4. Operation Green
- Overview: Started on July 1, 2001, to promote tree plantation with community involvement.
- Current Focus: Increasing greenery across all districts and upgrading forest parks and Van Chetna Kendras.
5. Vriksha Bandhu Puraskar Yojana
- Overview: Initiated in 2007-08, this scheme awards individuals and organizations for promoting plantations and wildlife conservation.
- Awards: Cash prizes of ₹1 lakh (individual) and ₹2 lakh (organization) are given annually.
6. Formulation of Management Scheme
- Overview: Started in 2007-08 to preserve forests scientifically.
- Activities: Includes field surveys, GIS mapping, and forest evaluation.
7. Tree Cover Extension Scheme
- Overview: Launched in 2007-08 in 48 districts to extend tree cover.
8. High Value Plantation Scheme
- Overview: Started in 2008-09 across 16 forest divisions to promote valuable tree plantations.
9. Joint Forest Management Scheme
- Overview: Since 2010, this scheme has focused on joint forest management and poverty alleviation in Terai, Vindhyas, and Bundelkhand regions, with Japanese government assistance.
- Notable Achievement: Belhatthi village in Sonbhadra district was declared the first village forest in the state.
10. Vir Abdul Hameed Forest, Wildlife, and Environment Protection Award Scheme
- Overview: Launched in 2012-13, this scheme awards individuals and organizations for their efforts in environmental protection, forest, and wildlife conservation.
11. Green Belt Development Scheme
- Overview: In operation since 2012-13, this scheme promotes planting tree species like Indian rosewood, mango, fig, and tamarind in community spaces.
12. Total Forest Cover Scheme
- Overview: Launched in 2014-15 to ensure complete greenery in six districts: Lucknow, Etawah, Badaun, Mainpuri, Unnao, and Kannauj.
13. Social Forestry-Tribal Sub Plan
- Overview: Aimed at Scheduled Tribes (ST) dominated areas, this scheme operates in regions like Shrawasti, Bahraich, and Sonbhadra with financial assistance from the Social Welfare Department.
14. Social Forestry in Urban Areas
- Overview: Focuses on planting ornamental and shady trees in urban areas to enhance environmental protection and beautification.
15. Industrial and Pulpwood Tree Plantation
- Overview: Promotes plantation of trees like gutel, alianthus, and bamboo for forest-based industries like match-wood, plywood, and paper production.
16. Hi-tech Nursery Scheme
- Overview: Developed in districts like Bareilly, Bijnor, and Pilibhit to increase forest cover through hi-tech nurseries.
17. Intensification of Forest Management
- Overview: A joint Central and State Government scheme, focusing on forest fire prevention, management schemes, and field surveys.
18. Tree Promotion Scheme
- Overview: Implemented in 10 districts with NABARD’s assistance, this scheme focuses on producing high-quality seeds, establishing laboratories, and cloning trees.
19. Fuel Wood Plantation
- Overview: Promotes fuelwood plantations to reduce the use of cow dung as fuel, especially in plain regions where fuelwood is scarce.
20. Plantation in Ravine Land
- Overview: Focuses on land management and conservation in regions along the Yamuna, Chambal, and Betwa rivers, which face severe land degradation.
21. Ram-Ganga Valley Scheme
- Overview: Implements land conservation, pasture development, and tree plantation schemes in areas around the Ramganga River.
FAQs
Q1: According to the India State of Forest Report 2017, what percentage of Uttar Pradesh’s total geographical area is the Recorded Forest Area?
ANSWER: 6.88%
Q2: According to the India State of Forest Report 2017, what is the rank of Uttar Pradesh in terms of total forest area in the country?
ANSWER: 22nd
Q3: According to the National Forest Policy, 1988, what portion of the country’s area should be under forest or tree cover?
ANSWER: 1/3 part
Q4: In which year was the Uttar Pradesh Forest Corporation established?
ANSWER: 25th November, 1974
Q5: Which district of Uttar Pradesh has the largest area under forest cover according to the India State of Forest Report 2017?
ANSWER: Sonbhadra
Q6: Which district of Uttar Pradesh has the lowest area under forest cover according to the India State of Forest Report 2017?
ANSWER: Bhadohi
Q7: According to the State Forest Report 2017, what is the total forest cover area of Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: 14,679 sq km
Q8: According to the India State of Forest Report 2017, what percentage of India’s total forest and tree cover is contributed by Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: 2.76%
Q9: According to the India State of Forest Report 2017, what percentage of the forest in Uttar Pradesh is classified as reserved forest?
ANSWER: 72.79%
Q10: What are the forests called that are under the direct control of the State Government, where public entry is restricted for timber collection or cattle grazing?
ANSWER: Reserved forests
Q11: In which area of Uttar Pradesh are Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests found?
ANSWER: Area of 100-150 cm rainfall
Q12: Which type of forests are found in the Bhabar and Terai regions of Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests
Q13: What type of forests grow in areas of Uttar Pradesh receiving low annual rainfall from 50 to 75 cm and mean annual temperature between 25°C to 27°C?
ANSWER: Tropical Thorny Forests
Q14: In which forests of Uttar Pradesh are tree species like phulai, khair, dhaman, and neem found?
ANSWER: Tropical Thorny Forests
Q15: When was the New State Forest Policy of Uttar Pradesh declared?
ANSWER: October, 2017
Q16: In which year was Uttar Pradesh Van Mahotsav started?
ANSWER: 1952
Q17: In which year was the Social Forestry Scheme started by the National Forest Commission in Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: 1979-80
Q18: Which tree is responsible for environmental degradation according to the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) 2005?
ANSWER: Eucalyptus
Q19: Which scheme was started in 1998 in Uttar Pradesh with the help of the World Bank?
ANSWER: Forestry Scheme
Q20: In which year was the Operation Green Scheme started in Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: 2001
Q21: In which year was the Green Belt Development Scheme started in Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: 2012-13
Q22: In which districts of Uttar Pradesh was the Total Forest Cover Scheme started?
ANSWER: All of these (Lucknow, Budaun, Unnao)
Q23: In which districts of Uttar Pradesh is the Hi-tech Nursery Scheme being implemented?
ANSWER: All of these (Bareilly, Bijnor, Pilibhit)
Q24: In which regions of Uttar Pradesh are land management, conservation, and plantation schemes being implemented?
ANSWER: All of these (Agra, Etawah, Mainpuri)
Q25: In which year was the Total Forest Cover Scheme started in Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: 2014-15
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