Delhi's Green Cover Declines Amid Air Pollution Concerns; Forest Area Grows Nationally: ISFR Report Tabled In Parliament

Delhi has witnessed a decline in its green cover, losing 0.44 square kilometers between 2019 and 2021, despite India reporting an overall increase in forest area, according to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2021 presented in Parliament. This trend has raised concerns about the impact of urbanisation and human activities on the national capital’s environmental health.

In contrast to Delhi’s decline, the report recorded a nationwide increase of 1,540 square kilometers in forest cover, bringing India’s total to 7,13,789 square kilometers. The Forest Survey of India attributed the growth to conservation efforts, reforestation, and afforestation initiatives.

Environmentalists and policymakers in Delhi are concerned that despite substantial investments to enhance greenery and combat air pollution, urbanisation pressures continue to erode the city’s green spaces. Delhi, often ranked among the world’s most polluted cities, faces severe air quality challenges.

“Localised issues, including environmental stress and urban pressures, have contributed to the loss of green spaces,” the report noted.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change stated that it has not conducted specific studies on climate change impacts on forest-dependent communities.

However, the government emphasised its commitment to sustainability through programs such as the National Action Plan on Climate Change. Broader national efforts include transitioning to renewable energy and reducing reliance on coal to meet 2030 climate targets.