Released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), it is 8^th consecutive issue related to environment accounts.

• It is also the first dedicated publication on forest accounting, based upon the UN System of Environmental Economic Accounts (SEEA) Framework.

Key Findings of the Report

• Physical Asset Account: 
  • Forest Cover (2010-11 to 2021-22): Increased by 17,444.61 sq. km (2.4%), reaching 7.15 lakh sq. km (21.76% of India’s geographical area).
  • Top States in gains: Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu.
• Extent Account:
  • Forest Extent (2013–2023): Net increase of 3,356 sq. km in forest extent due to reclassification and boundary adjustments.
  • Top States: Uttarakhand, Odisha, Jharkhand in Recorded Forest Area (RFA).
• Condition Account: Assesses ecosystem quality, focusing on growing stock (volume of usable wood in living trees).
  • Growing Stock (2013-23): rose by 305.53 million cum (7.32%).
  • Top Contributors: Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana.
• Service Accounts:
  • Provisioning Services (timber and non-timber products): Value increased to ~0.16% of GDP in 2021-22.
    • Top States: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala.
  • Regulating Services (carbon retention): Value rose to ~2.63% of GDP in 2021-22.
    • Top States: Arunachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Assam.