How Does Arunachal Pradesh's 79% Forest Cover Impact India's Carbon Sequestration?
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Synopsis
Arunachal Pradesh's Chief Minister Pema Khandu reveals that the state's remarkable 79% forest cover contributes significantly to India's carbon sequestration efforts. With over 1,021 million tonnes of carbon stock, the state is crucial in the battle against climate change. Discover how this region impacts India's net-zero emissions goal!
Key Takeaways
- Arunachal Pradesh has 79% forest cover.
- Contributes 14.38% to India's carbon sequestration.
- 1,021 million tonnes of carbon stock in the state.
- Forests act as natural air purifiers.
- Vast biodiversity supported by forest ecosystems.
Itanagar, July 2 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu, announced on Wednesday that the state boasts an impressive 79 percent forest cover and contributes 14.38 percent to India’s overall carbon sequestration.
In a message shared on X, Khandu highlighted that Arunachal Pradesh holds a staggering 1,021 million tonnes of carbon stock, the highest in the nation.
“As the lungs of the Himalayas, Arunachal Pradesh is pivotal in India’s mission to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070,” Khandu remarked.
Previously, during a public event, he underscored the essential role of forests in combating climate change, serving as natural air purifiers and maintaining ecosystem balance.
“By embracing green initiatives, we safeguard our soil, manage water cycles, and foster biodiversity while reaping benefits like timber, fruits, and medicinal plants,” he noted in another social media update.
CM Khandu called on everyone to maintain these efforts for a sustainable environment and development for generations to come.
The Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department reported that the forest cover exceeds 79.33 percent of the state's total geographical area of 83,743 sq km.
Among the forest cover, 21,058.37 sq km is categorized as very dense forest (25.15 percent of the total area); 30,175.56 sq km as moderately dense forest (36.03 percent); and 15,196.74 sq km as open forest (18.15 percent).
The state accounts for over one-fifth of the country’s total dense forest cover, according to records from the Forest Department. The diverse climatic conditions in Arunachal Pradesh have led to a rich variety of timber, ranging from tropical teak-like species in the foothills to conifers in the higher altitudes.
Due to the variations in altitude and climate, different regions of Arunachal Pradesh showcase distinct types of forests.
The latest (2023) report from the Forest Survey of India (FSI) indicates that the top three states with the largest forest and tree cover are Madhya Pradesh (85,724 sq km), Arunachal Pradesh (67,083 sq km), and Maharashtra (65,383 sq km).
When considering just forest cover area, the top three are Madhya Pradesh (77,073 sq km), Arunachal Pradesh (65,882 sq km), and Chhattisgarh (55,812 sq km), according to the FSI.
The FSI conducts thorough assessments of the nation’s forest and tree resources using Remote Sensing satellite data and field-based National Forest Inventory (NFI).
Point of View
The emphasis on Arunachal Pradesh's forest cover reflects a growing recognition of the state's role in environmental sustainability. As climate change becomes an increasingly urgent issue, the contributions of regions like Arunachal Pradesh are invaluable to India's overall strategy for a greener future.
NationPress
07/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of India's carbon sequestration does Arunachal Pradesh contribute?
Arunachal Pradesh contributes 14.38 percent of India's total carbon sequestration.
How much forest cover does Arunachal Pradesh have?
The state has an impressive 79 percent forest cover, making it one of the highest in the country.
What is the carbon stock of Arunachal Pradesh?
Arunachal Pradesh holds 1,021 million tonnes of carbon stock, which is the highest in India.
What role do forests play in climate change mitigation?
Forests act as natural air purifiers, regulate ecosystems, and support biodiversity, which are crucial for mitigating climate change.
What types of forests exist in Arunachal Pradesh?
The state features various types of forests, including very dense, moderately dense, and open forests due to its diverse climatic variations.
