(a) whether there are different methods for estimation of forests area;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether discrepancies are found in respective estimation methods; and
(d) if so, the details thereof alongwith the reasons therefor?
(a) whether there are different methods for estimation of forests area;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether discrepancies are found in respective estimation methods; and
(d) if so, the details thereof alongwith the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIA.RAJA)
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) The different methods to estimate forest cover are Remote Sensing,
Aerial Photography, Global Positioning System and Ground Survey.
(c)& (d) The remote sensing technology has limitations of spatial resolution
(minimum unit of length discernible), low chlorophyll content in certain species
of trees and young plantations, leaflessness during certain periods and clouds
and shadows.Aerial photography provides greater details but it is time
consuming and further it requires clearances from many agencies including
Ministry of Defence. The use of GPS is helpful for rapid assessment of smaller
areas as its accuracy is not high unless Differential Global Positioning System
is used.The ground survey techniques are accurate but slow and laborious and
cannot be used for a large area.