IIT Kharagpur’s recent research, which is supported by studies from IIT Bombay and BITS Pilani, shows that over the past 20 years, photosynthetic efficiency in dense forest areas has decreased by up to 12%. India’s forests are losing their carbon absorption capacity, and scientists caution that, despite a stated increase in forest acreage, heat and drought brought on by climate change are diminishing forests’ ability to absorb carbon, which presents a serious obstacle to India’s climate ambitions. Given that only sixteen percent of Indian forests currently display high ecological integrity, officials emphasise the urgent need for policy changes, citing concerns for community livelihoods and environmental sustainability. This decrease underscores the need to reassess forest management plans as the nation strives to meet its Paris Agreement goal of reducing CO₂ emissions by 2.5–3 billion tonnes by 2030.

How are Climate Extremes Undermining Forest Carbon Sinks?

The study is the first to map that India’s forests are losing carbon absorption capacity and directly connects it to heat stress and soil dryness. It was published in Nature Climate Change in early July 2025. In their analysis of satellite data from 2001 to 2024, researchers focused on areas that have historically been referred to as India’s green lungs, including the Northeast, the western Himalayas, and the Eastern and Western Ghats.

“The most alarming declines are seen in dense, supposedly resilient forests, where photosynthetic efficiency has dropped by as much as 12%,” said Dr. Jayanarayanan Kuttippurath of IIT Kharagpur. Despite a 7% increase in the Leaf Area Index since 2001, photosynthesis is disrupted by water stress and rising temperatures, which limit the amount of carbon that can be absorbed. Additionally, according to data from Global Forest Watch (2024), India has lost nearly 2.3 million hectares of primary forest since 2001, including 18,200 hectares in 2023, which has decreased the country’s capacity to sequester carbon.

Also Read: NHAI Builds India’s First Animal Corridor On National Highway

What are the Policy Gaps and Community Impacts?

Although experts warn that a large portion of this gain comes from plantations and degraded forests rather than biologically valuable primary forests, the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change’s India State of Forest Report (2023) applauded a net increase in forest area. According to a 2024 Forest Survey of India assessment, only sixteen percent of India’s forests are considered high-integrity ecosystems. “We need to go beyond simply increasing tree cover to restore healthy, resilient forests that can withstand climate shocks,” a top ministry official said.

Forest-dependent communities are being impacted; according to Odisha forest resident Meena Kumari, “We are seeing more dried streams and less wild produce.” Research indicates that inadequate species selection and a lack of community involvement have led to the failure of half of India’s voluntary carbon market tree-planting projects, underscoring the need for inclusive policies.

Also Read: Study Reveals How Amazon Canopy Trees Adapt To Intense Sunlight And Drought, Enhancing Forest Health Monitoring

How Can We Shape the Road Ahead with Science, Policy, and People?

The results have significant ramifications for India’s climate policy. IISER Bhopal and IIT Bombay experts support integrated strategies that include local stewardship, adaptive management, and scientific monitoring. Native species and water protection are given top priority in the 2025 National Forest Restoration Mission; however, its success depends on consistent financing, transparent tracking, and community involvement.

“India risks falling short of its climate targets if the root causes—climate change, water scarcity, and land degradation—are not addressed,” cautioned Dr. Rajiv Chaturvedi of BITS Pilani. Important first efforts include restoring degraded areas, safeguarding primary forests, and enabling local communities to act as custodians.

The woods of India are reaching a turning point. For ecological health and climatic resilience, increasing green cover alone is insufficient. To preserve primary forests, restore degraded areas, and empower local communities as true guardians, we must rethink forest management with an emphasis on quality. An urgent, cooperative effort is needed to ensure that forests continue to thrive as carbon sinks and life sources for future generations, as climate extremes worsen.

Also Read: Kerala Topped As India’s Top Biodiverse Discovery Hotspot

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What caused the decline in forest carbon absorption?

According to studies from IIT Kharagpur and others, the drop is caused by heat and drought brought on by climate change, which interfere with photosynthesis and lower soil moisture.

Q2. How can communities help restore forest health?

To ensure sustainable livelihoods and ecological benefits, communities can participate in restoration initiatives, select native species, and practice local stewardship.

Q3. What are India’s climate targets, and are they at risk?

According to the Paris Agreement, India wants to produce 2.5–3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent by 2030. This objective is under threat due to the current forest decline; hence, urgent policy action is required.

Also Read: India Needs $1.5 Trillion By 2030 For Climate And Energy Targets: Deloitte