The land under forest cover has been declining since around 1960-61, largely due to the significant changes that occurred post-independence. The demand for more land to expand agriculture, notably after the Green Revolution, led to the clearance of forest areas. Industrialization and urbanization have also contributed to the reduction in forest land. The post-independence era saw a surge in agricultural activities, development projects, and infrastructure facilities, all of which necessitated the clearing of large tracts of forest.
Land Utilization Factors
Two primary factors influence land use in India:
- Human aspects
- Natural elements
Human factors such as population density, cultural practices, traditions, and technological capabilities impact human activities and land usage. Natural elements, such as topography, climate, and soil types, determine the physical limitations and opportunities for land utilization.
Since 1960-61, the area under forest cover in India has increased by only about 4%. Industrialization and urbanization have also significantly reduced the forest area. Despite these trends, the nation’s forest cover is only around 23.81% of the total land area, far below the recommended 33%.
India's Land Use Distribution
- Net Sown Area: 46.24% of the country’s total land area.
- Forest Land: 23.81% of the total land area.
- Wasteland: Approximately 3.38% of all available land is considered wasteland.
The distribution of land varies greatly from state to state. While net sown land accounts for over 80% in states like Punjab and Haryana, it is less than 10% in states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Categories of Land
Land assets in India are classified into the following categories:
- Rural land
- Timberland
- Farm and grazing land
- Wasteland
Land Utilization Statistics
- Cultivable Land: 54% of the total land area is either cultivable or fallow.
- Forest Land: 22.5% of the total land area is covered by forests.
- Grazing Land: 3.45% is used for grazing purposes.
The remaining land is categorized as unused or wasteland, indicating the presence of various development activities and misuse. Deforestation, mining, and quarrying have impeded the growth of timberlands, making forest conservation challenging. Despite these challenges, the area under forest cover has increased by approximately 4% since 1960-61.
Impact of Technology and Development
Technical and infrastructural advancements have led to increased utilization of resources across different sectors. During colonial times, imperial powers used their technological and financial superiority to establish control over different nations and exploit their resources. Currently, technological advances and globalization have driven population growth and increased resource utilization. Improvements in medicine and healthcare have reduced mortality rates, contributing to increased demand for resources.