India's Forest Land Diversion: A Decade of Development vs. Conservation

India has diverted 1,733 square kilometres of forest land over the past decade for development initiatives, surpassing Delhi's total geographical area. States like Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Telangana lead in land diversion. These changes, under the Van Adhiniyam Act, highlight the ongoing tension between infrastructure development and environmental conservation.

India has seen the diversion of 1,733 square kilometres of forest land over the past decade, according to government data. This area surpasses the total geographical area of Delhi, highlighting significant environmental changes driven by development activities.

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav disclosed in the Lok Sabha that 1,73,396.87 hectares of forest land have been approved for non-forest use, including infrastructure projects under the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980, spanning from 2014-15 to 2023-24.

Madhya Pradesh, which boasts the largest forest cover in India, diverted the most land at 385.52 square kilometres, while other states like Odisha and Telangana followed with considerable diversions. This illustrates the complex balance between economic development and environmental conservation.

(With inputs from agencies.)