Madhya Pradesh tops forest land diversion list with 22% share:38,553 hectares cleared for projects in 10 yrs; major setback to state image

Known for having the largest forest area in India, Madhya Pradesh has suffered a major setback to its image. According to the latest report “State of India’s Environment 2026” released by the Centre for Science and Environment, the state accounts for the highest share (22%) of forest land conversion for non-forest use in the country over the past decade (2014–15 to 2023–24). In the last 10 years, 38,553 hectares of forest land in Madhya Pradesh has been converted for development projects. Notably, 23,054 hectares of this conversion occurred in just the past five years. National Scenario Across India, a total of 1,73,397 hectares of forest land has been converted over the last decade. This is more than the total forest area of Haryana (1,61,426 hectares) and even larger than Delhi’s total geographical area (1,48,300 hectares). In 2023–24 alone, nearly 29,000 hectares of forest land was approved for conversion. Nearly 49% of the total forest diversion in the country is concentrated in just four states: Impact on wildlife The loss of forests in Madhya Pradesh is beginning to affect biodiversity. Around major tiger reserves like Bandhavgarh, Kanha, and Pench, tigers are increasingly moving out of dense core forest areas. Instead of deep forest habitats, some are now living in shrub areas on the outskirts and hunting livestock. This shift is contributing to a rise in human-wildlife conflict. Warning: ‘Ecological Drought’ Scientists from the Centre for Science and Environment have warned that forests in Madhya Pradesh and central India are facing an “ecological drought.” This means prolonged water stress is causing forests to lose their structure, health, and ecological functions over time. Official view Forest land conversion for development is a continuous process, with approvals granted by the central environment and forest authorities. “Since Madhya Pradesh has the largest forest area in the country, higher diversion for development is natural,”— Shubh Ranjan Sen, Head of Forest Force, Madhya Pradesh