Forest Cover in Andhra Pradesh Expands by 95 Square Km: Union Minister + UPSC?.ToString()?? UPSC?.ToString()+" Current Affairs";

Introduction
In a significant environmental development, the forest cover in Andhra Pradesh has grown by approximately 95.59 square kilometers across ten districts, according to Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh. This announcement was made in Parliament on Monday in response to a query raised by Nellore MP Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy.
Forest Cover Growth Across Districts
Among the districts witnessing the most significant increase in forest cover:
Vizianagaram recorded the highest growth at 35.35 sq. km.
SPSR Nellore followed with an increase of 17.77 sq. km.
Other districts seeing notable increases include:
Konaseema: 10.68 sq. km.
Krishna: 9.34 sq. km.
West Godavari: 9.16 sq. km.
Srikakulam: 6.04 sq. km.
Kakinada: 4.12 sq. km.
Sri Sathya Sai: 0.78 sq. km.
Guntur: 0.25 sq. km.
National-Level Impact
The India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, released on December 21, 2024, by the Forest Survey of India, revealed an overall increase in forest and tree cover across India. Key statistics from the report include:
Net increase of 1445.81 sq. km. in forest and tree cover nationwide compared to ISFR 2021.
The total forest and tree cover in India now stands at 8.27 lakh sq. km., accounting for 25.17% of the country’s geographical area.
Significance and Environmental Impact
This growth in Andhra Pradesh's forest cover underscores the effectiveness of afforestation efforts and sustainable environmental policies. Increased forest cover plays a crucial role in carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation.
Expert Opinions & Government Initiatives
While the increase in forest cover is commendable, environmentalists stress the need for continuous efforts in reforestation, conservation, and combating deforestation. Government initiatives, such as afforestation programs and stricter regulations on land use, are crucial in sustaining this progress.
Conclusion
The rise in Andhra Pradesh’s forest cover reflects a positive environmental trend, aligning with national and global sustainability goals. Moving forward, a consistent focus on conservation and green initiatives will be essential in maintaining and furthering this progress. The findings from ISFR 2023 highlight the importance of collaborative efforts between the government, communities, and environmental organizations to ensure a greener future for India.