Maharashtra Sees Forest Cover Decline but Tree Cover Outside Forests Increases: Economic Survey

Maharashtra's Economic Survey reveals a decline of 54.47 sq km in forest cover to 50,859 sq km, representing 16.5% of the state's area, below the 33% National Forest Policy target. While forest degradation and urbanisation strain ecosystems, tree cover outside forests has increased to 14,525 sq km (4.7%), attributed to social forestry and urban greening initiatives. The survey distinguishes between legally notified forest areas and scattered tree cover, highlighting ongoing environmental challenges including rising river pollution and inadequate sewage treatment.