New Delhi/Chandigarh, April 5, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
In response to a written question raised in the Rajya Sabha by Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal, the Central Government has presented a concerning picture of the country’s forest resources. Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh stated that the total forest and tree cover in India stands at 827,357.95 square kilometers, which is only 25.17% of the country’s total geographical area of 3,287,468.88 square kilometers.
One of the most alarming highlights of the data is that Punjab has only 6.59% forest and tree cover, the lowest among all states. In comparison, Haryana has 7.48%, Rajasthan 8.00%, Uttar Pradesh 9.96%, and Bihar 10.52% forest cover. Kirti Vardhan Singh also informed that the assessment of forest and tree cover across the country is conducted every two years by the Forest Survey of India, Dehradun, and published in the “India State of Forest Report.”
Rajya Sabha member Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal emphasized that these are not just figures but a warning for the future. He stated that the government’s own data clearly shows the extent to which we are disturbing nature. He added that the declining forest area is directly linked to falling groundwater levels, rising air pollution, severe impacts of climate change, and public health concerns.
Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal further said that such a low level of forest cover in an agriculture-dominated state like Punjab is extremely dangerous. Calling it an alarm bell, he warned that if immediate action is not taken, future generations will have to pay a heavy price. He urged both the central and state governments to take urgent steps to increase forest cover.
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