New Delhi : India has achieved a major milestone in global environmental stewardship, climbing to the 9th position worldwide in total forest area, according to the Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA) 2025 released by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Bali.
Sustained Growth in Forest Cover
Union Environment Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav shared the news on social media platform ‘X’, highlighting that India has moved up from its previous 10th position. The country has also retained its 3rd rank globally in annual forest area gain, reflecting its consistent efforts in afforestation and sustainable forest management.
Policy-Driven Green Progress
The Minister credited this achievement to the proactive environmental policies and grassroots initiatives championed by the Government of India under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He emphasized that campaigns like ‘Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam’ have galvanized public participation in tree plantation drives, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility.
Community-Led Conservation
Shri Yadav noted that the growing involvement of citizens, coupled with large-scale plantation efforts by State Governments, has played a pivotal role in enhancing India’s green cover. This collective movement underscores the nation’s commitment to ecological balance and climate resilience.
