Known for its differing biological systems and wealthy biodiversity, India has a critical sum of timberlands. Indian timberlands play an imperative part in keeping up with environmental adjustments, giving living space for natural life, and supporting the jobs of millions of individuals. Concurring to the Woodland States of India Report 2021 distributed by the Woodland Overview of India (FSI), around 21.71% of India's geological range is secured by timberlands, which is proportionate to around 713,789 sq. km of the country's add up to arrive area.
Classification of Timberland Types
Forests in India are classified into three fundamental sorts: Exceptionally Thick Timberland (VDF), Medium Thick Timberland (MDF), and Open Timberland (OF). Each category speaks to a distinctive level of canopy thickness and serves a distinctive environmental function.
Very Thick Woodlands (VDF): These timberlands have a canopy thickness of 70% or more. They speak to the most flawless and undisturbed parts of India's normal scene and play a crucial part in carbon sequestration. VDFs involve around 3.04% of the add up to the geological region, almost 99,779 square kilometers. These regions are imperative for biodiversity preservation and are regularly found in inaccessible regions such as the Western Ghats, parts of the Northeast, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Medium Thickness Timberlands (MDF): These woodlands have a canopy thickness between 40% and 70% and are dispersed over the nation. MDFs cover around 9.32% of the arrival range of India (around 307,120 sq. km). They are imperative in keeping up the hydrological cycle, supporting natural life, and giving assets like timber and non-timber woodland items. Decently thick timberlands are found in different states like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.
Open Woodland (OF): Open woodlands have a canopy thickness of 10%-40% and are the broadest timberland sort, covering around 9.34% of the country's zone or around 307,120 sq. km. These timberlands regularly serve as imperative environments for different species and contribute to the general environmental well-being of the zones they possess.