In 2024, Andhra Pradesh witnessed a substantial decline in its forest cover, losing 468 hectares of primary forest—the second-highest annual loss since 2017, when 561 hectares were lost. This alarming data comes from the latest Global Forest Watch (GFW) report, highlighting the pressing environmental challenges the state faces.

Between 2002 and 2024, Andhra Pradesh lost a total of 6,550 hectares of primary forest, accounting for 16% of the state's total tree cover loss during this period. The year 2024 alone saw a loss of 5.73 thousand hectares of natural forest, resulting in approximately 1.75 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. 

The districts of East Godavari and Visakhapatnam have been identified as the most affected, contributing to 76% of the state's total tree cover loss between 2001 and 2024. East Godavari alone lost 16.4 thousand hectares, significantly higher than the state average. 

The primary drivers of this deforestation include:

 

• Permanent Agriculture: Conversion of forest land for agricultural purposes accounted for 26.8 thousand hectares of tree cover loss.

• Infrastructure Development: Expansion of settlements and infrastructure led to the loss of 214 hectares.

• Hard Commodities: Extraction and cultivation of commodities resulted in a loss of 23 hectares.

Additionally, temporary disturbances such as logging (1.43 thousand hectares), shifting cultivation (12.7 thousand hectares), wildfires (95 hectares), and other natural disturbances (42 hectares) contributed to the degradation. 

Despite these challenges, Andhra Pradesh has made commendable efforts in reforestation. Between 2002 and 2020, the state gained 194 thousand hectares of tree cover, representing 11% of India's total tree cover gain during that period. This achievement places Andhra Pradesh second in the country, following Karnataka. 

 

In response to the ongoing deforestation, the state government has launched the 'Vanam-Manam' initiative, aiming to plant one crore saplings to enhance green cover, coinciding with World Environment Day celebrations