Which three states top the list of having largest forest and tree cover as per the India State of Forest Report 2023?

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (b) Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Maharashtra
Explanation:
• As per the ISFR 2023, the top three states in terms of total forest and tree cover by area are:
• Madhya Pradesh – 85,724 sq km
• Arunachal Pradesh – 67,083 sq km
• Maharashtra – 65,383 sq km
• This metric includes both forest cover and tree cover outside forests such as plantations.
• The report is published biennially by the Forest Survey of India (FSI).
• The total forest and tree cover in India is 827,357 sq km, which is 25.17% of the total geographical area.
Information Booster:
• ISFR 2023 was the 18th edition since its inception in 1987.
• It reported an increase of 1,445 sq km in total green cover compared to ISFR 2021.
Additional Knowledge:
(a) Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh, and Maharashtra
• Odisha ranks lower than Madhya Pradesh in terms of total forest and tree cover.
• Not part of the top 3 as per ISFR 2023.
(c) Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Mizoram
• Mizoram has high forest cover percentage-wise but does not rank in top 3 by area.
• Maharashtra has a larger total area in terms of forest and tree cover.
(d) Chhattisgarh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Maharashtra
• Chhattisgarh ranks in the top 3 for forest cover alone, not when tree cover is included.
• It does not surpass Madhya Pradesh in total forest and tree cover area.