India, July 31 -- The India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, prepared by the Forest Survey of India, has reported a substantial increase in forest and tree cover over the past decade, minister of state for environment Kirti Vardhan Singh said on Thursday.

"This positive trend is indicative of the active involvement of communities and local stakeholders in the management and restoration of forest resources," Singh said, responding to questions raised by YSR Congress Party lawmaker Golla Baburao in the Rajya Sabha.

Baburao questioned the manner in which the ministry comes to the conclusion that granting forest rights to tribals causes forest degradation; whether there is any scientific evidence to prove the above conclusion; and whethe...