India made strides in environmental protection over last two decades: Govt data

India's increased its protected area 16 percent in two decades

India has made strides in environmental protection by increasing the total protected area and mangrove cover over the last decade, according to a report released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

The report noted that protected areas, as defined by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), including wildlife sanctuaries and biosphere reserves, have increased 72 percent in number and 16 percent in the area over the last two decades (2000-2023) to 1,78,641 square km.

The number of national parks has gone up to 106 from 87 two decades ago, and wildlife sanctuaries have increased to 573 from 478. Conservation reserves have grown four times to 123 from 29 in 2000.

It further noted that the country's mangrove cover also increased by 8 percent during the last decade (2013-21) to 4,992 square kilometres from 4,628 square kilometres.

“The report provides the framework for the compilation of the Ocean Accounts along with data for some of the extent and the condition parameters related to the oceans,” the ministry noted.

Ocean accounts are expected to help the government ascertain the damage to the environment in pursuit of economic activity.

The report also leverages information from Soil Health Cards to determine soil nutrient value.