Understanding Forest Area in India (ISFR 2019)

The India State of Forest Report (ISFR) is a biennial publication by the Forest Survey of India (FSI). It assesses the forest and tree resources of the country. The ISFR 2019 provided detailed information on forest cover, tree cover, mangrove cover, and other related aspects across all states and Union Territories of India.

One of the key aspects reported is the percentage of forest area relative to the geographical area of a region. The question asks specifically which of the given places recorded 0% forest area according to the ISFR 2019 report.

Analysing Forest Cover of Given Options

Let's look at the status of forest cover for each of the options provided, as per the ISFR 2019:

• Puducherry: Puducherry is a Union Territory. While not having extensive forests, it does have recorded forest cover. According to ISFR 2019, Puducherry had a forest cover of 13.84 sq km, which is approximately 2.81% of its geographical area.
• Lakshadweep: Lakshadweep is a Union Territory consisting of small coral islands. Due to its unique geography and land use, the ISFR 2019 report indicated that Lakshadweep had 0% forest area. The types of vegetation found there are often not classified as 'forest cover' under the FSI's definition, which requires a minimum area, canopy density, and tree height.
• Goa: Goa is a state on the western coast of India known for significant forest cover. As per ISFR 2019, Goa had a forest cover of 2,237 sq km, which constitutes approximately 60.44% of its geographical area.
• Andaman and Nicobar Islands: This Union Territory is known for its dense tropical forests. The ISFR 2019 reported a very high forest cover for Andaman and Nicobar Islands, amounting to 6,742 sq km, which is about 81.73% of its geographical area.

Based on the data from the India State of Forest Report 2019, Lakshadweep was the only place among the given options reported as having 0% forest area.

Conclusion

The India State of Forest Report 2019 is the authoritative source for forest cover data in the country. Examining the forest cover percentages for the options provided confirms that Lakshadweep had 0% forest area as per the report's findings.

Revision Table: India State of Forest Report 2019 Facts

Additional Information: Forest Cover Assessment

The Forest Survey of India uses satellite data primarily to assess forest cover. The definition of 'forest cover' used by FSI is based on the interpretation of satellite imagery, ground truth data, and national forest inventory.

• The definition of forest cover used in ISFR includes all tree patches of size 1 hectare or more with canopy density of 10% and above.
• This definition includes orchards, bamboo, and palms, but excludes areas under agricultural crops.
• The 0% forest area reported for Lakshadweep in ISFR 2019 means that there were no areas meeting this specific definition within the Union Territory according to the survey methods used. This does not mean there are absolutely no trees, but rather no significant patches classified as 'forest cover' under the ISFR criteria.