India's Forest Cover Increases by 1,500 Sq Km: ISFR 2026
The India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2026 reveals a net increase of 1,500 square kilometers in the country's forest and tree cover.
Key Points for Quick Revision
- Net increase of 1,500 sq km in forest and tree cover.
- Top states for growth: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha.
- Decline noted in some North-Eastern states.
- Mangrove cover has also shown an upward trend.
How This Topic is Tested in Competitive Exams
| Exam | Frequency | Approx. Marks | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPSC / State PCS | Very High | 12–20 | Environment and Ecology is a separate section in UPSC Prelims. GS-III includes environment, climate change, and disaster management. |
| SSC (CGL / CHSL / MTS) | High | 3–5 | National parks, Ramsar sites, pollution levels, and climate summits appear in SSC GK. |
| State PCS / PSC | High | 5–8 | State PCS papers test both central environment policy and state-specific conservation achievements. |
What to Memorize from This Topic
- New Ramsar sites, UNESCO sites, Biosphere Reserves: name, state/country, reason for designation
- Climate summit outcomes: COP targets, India's commitments, new agreements
- Pollution data: India's air quality rank, river clean-up updates, plastic ban updates
- Endangered species: IUCN category, habitat, threats, conservation project
- Environmental laws and policies: recent amendments to Environment Protection Act, Forest Rights Act
Practice Questions
Q1. Which state showed the highest increase in forest cover according to ISFR 2026?
- Madhya Pradesh
- Andhra Pradesh
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Kerala
Explanation: Andhra Pradesh is among the top states showing the highest growth in forest cover in the latest report.
Q2. How often is the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) published?
- Every year
- Every two years
- Every five years
- Every ten years
Explanation: The ISFR is a biennial report published every two years by the Forest Survey of India (FSI).
How to Prepare Environment for Government Exams
Ramsar sites and World Heritage Site additions are announced annually. Compile the year's additions — they are direct exam questions.
For UPSC, understand the international treaty context: Paris Agreement, CBD, CITES, Ramsar — know what each treaty does.
Climate news = policy news. Always note the government response to any environmental event — that's what UPSC Mains tests.