India has made significant advancements in environmental protection over the past two decades, particularly in expanding protected areas and increasing mangrove cover, as detailed in a recent report from the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
Key findings from the report include:
- Protected Areas Growth: The total number of protected areas, as defined by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), has surged by 72% in number and 16% in area from 2000 to 2023, now covering 178,641 square kilometers.
- National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries: The number of national parks has risen from 87 to 106, while wildlife sanctuaries have increased from 478 to 573. Additionally, the count of conservation reserves has quadrupled from 29 to 123 since 2000.
- Mangrove Cover: Between 2013 and 2021, the country’s mangrove cover expanded by 8%, growing from 4,628 square kilometers to 4,992 square kilometers.
The ministry also highlighted the importance of the report in developing Ocean Accounts, which will provide essential data regarding the extent and condition of the oceans. This initiative aims to help the government assess environmental damage associated with economic activities.
Furthermore, the report utilizes information from Soil Health Cards to evaluate soil nutrient levels, reinforcing the government’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
