Jharkhand forests at a glance

 

 

 

The state of Jharkhand has a unique relation with forests since ancient times. The word ‘Jharkhand’ connotes area of land covered with forests. Therefore, literally as well as symbolically, Jharkhand is associated with forests. The ideas of forest and biodiversity conservation are ingrained in the ethos of the state.

Nature wears her best clothes in this state. The state is endowed with abundant mineral wealth, flora and fauna. Rivers like Damodar, Brahmani, Kharkai, Subarnarekha and so many other rivers are flowing gently adding to the natural charm of Jharkhand. Jharkhand has proudly emerged culturally as an important multi ethnic state. Over thirty two indigenous communities exist harmoniously in Jharkhand such as Santhal, Munda, Oraon, Ho, Paharia, Chero, Birjea, Asura etc. These communities have several colourful nature friendly festivals like Sarhul, Karma etc. in which tribals worships and protect trees.

Of the total recorded forest area, Reserved Forest constitute 18.58%, Protected Forests 81.28% and Unclassed Forests 0.14 %

According to India’s State of Forests Report, 2021, the total Forest Cover of the state is 23,721 km² which is nearly 29.76% of the geographical area of the state.

Forest Cover of Jharkhand
Class	Area (km2)	% of GA
Very Dense Forest	2,601.05	3.26
Mod. Dense Forest	9,688.91	12.16
Open Forest	11,431.18	14.34
Total	23,721.14	29.76
Scrub	584.20	0.73

Source : ISFR - 2021 by FSI

General Information

1	Geographical Area	79,716 km2.
2	Forest Area	23721 km2.
3	Percentage forest cover of the state	29.76%
4	Per capita Forest Area	0.071 Ha.
5	Average density of population	414 Persons per km2.
6	No. of Districts	24

Forest Area

Reserve Forest	4447.21 km2.
Protected Forest	17812.28 km2.
Undemarcated Forest	708.67 km2.
Other Forest	486.09 km2.
Total	23454.25 km2.

District wise Forest Cover in Jharkhand (in km2)
District	Geo-graphical Area (GA)	2021 Assessment				%of GA	Change wrt 2019 assessment	Scrub
		Very Dense Forest	Mod. Dense Forest	Open Forest	Total
Bokaro	28,83	60.99	231.94	283.07	576.00	19.98	2.45	37.95
Chatra	3,718	244.28	871.73	666.08	1,782.09	47.93	4.74	23.57
Deoghar	2,477	0.00	14.30	191.50	205.80	8.31	2.09	14.04
Dhanbad	2,040	0.00	44.00	174.18	218.18	10.70	4.67	16.05
Dumka	3,761	0.00	259.40	318.23	577.63	15.36	0.32	44.55
East Singhbhum	3,562	54.81	591.69	434.19	1,080.69	30.34	1.31	20.91
Garhwa	4,093	125.14	415.60	890.98	1,431.72	34.98	40.13	44.32
Giridih	4,962	77.16	338.56	490.19	905.91	18.26	4.67	28.92
Godda	2,266	12.81	271.88	138.66	423.35	18.68	0.00	14.27
Gumla	5,360	304.69	585.81	552.65	1,443.15	26.92	0.89	8.25
Hazaribagh	3,555	230.11	348.54	784.54	1,363.19	38.35	10.42	15.99
Jamtara	1,811	0.00	20.84	85.18	106.02	5.85	5.38	5.32
Khunti	2,535	72.97	344.59	496.18	913.74	36.04	8.25	3.11
Koderma	2,540	80.80	494.43	447.82	1,023.05	40.28	-0.42	6.37
Latehar	4,291	480.36	1,308.93	613.75	2,403.04	56.00	-3.30	9.30
Lohardaga	1,502	174.03	218.40	111.99	504.42	33.58	-0.20	7.66
Pakur	1,811	2.96	172.40	111.64	287.00	15.85	-0.13	20.06
Palamu	4,393	62.82	512.73	640.18	1,215.73	27.67	14.95	84.23
Ramgarh	1,341	30.96	109.32	190.98	331.26	24.70	2.26	14.49
Ranchi	5,097	62.89	363.91	741.98	1,168.78	22.93	4.29	27.98
Sahibganj	2,063	17.74	258.73	297.48	573.95	27.82	1.60	47.53
Saraikela-Kharsawan	2,657	22.03	213.84	338.73	574.60	21.63	0.56	21.87
Simdega	3,774	21.97	343.54	877.89	1,243.40	32.95	2.48	20.28
West Singhbhum	7,224	461.53	1,353.80	1,553.11	3,368.44	46.63	2.32	47.18
Grand Total	79,716	2,601.05	9,688.91	11,431.18	23,721.14	29.76	109.73	584.20

As per the Champion & Seth classification of the Forest Types (1968), the forests in Jharkhand belong to two Forest Type Groups which are further divided into eight Forest Types.

1. Moist Peninsular Low Level Sal
2. Moist Peninsular Valley Sal
3. Dry Deciduous Scrub
4. Boswellia Forest
5. Butea Forest
6. Dry Bamboo Brake
7. Dry Peninsular Sal Forest
8. Northern Dry Mixed Deciduous Forest

 

STATE OF FOREST REPORT 2021 (ISFR Jharkhand)

Article 48 A of the Constitution of India states:

“48A. The State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wild life of the country.”

In this spirit, the Department of Forests, Environment and Climate Change, Government of Jharkhand strives to conserve the forests, wildlife and biodiversity of Jharkhand, through the diligent implementation of the relevant Acts, rules, guidelines and schemes, thereby ensuring the environmental security of the present and future generations of the state.