This first report on the status of forests in Andhra Pradesh published by Andhra Pradesh Forest Department shows the changes between 2007 and 2008 and finds that there has been a net loss of 107.96 sq km of forest area between 2007 and 2008.

There is increasing concern at global level for conservation of the existing forests and bringing more area under forest cover. This is required to reduce global warming and atmospheric carbon. To achieve the above objectives, annual forest cover change assessment is essential to pin point areas of deforestation and greening. Various countries in the world like Brazil, Indonesia and African Countries apart from FAO are assessing the forest cover on regular basis. The National Commission on Forestry has also emphasised on the need to assess the forest resources of the country on a regular basis. The present effort is a step in that direction using LISS-III images of Indian Satellite IRS P6. The effort is of crucial importance because of huge expenditures being proposed under Green India Mission and CAMPA scheme. For the first time, sub Hectare areas are critically scanned in the Geomatics laboratory and checked on the ground by the staff and scientists. It is found that there is near total accuracy as to the location, extent and shape of polygons detected in laboratory and field. This report, which is first of its kind in the state of Andhra Pradesh, will immensely help the foresters in better protection and management of the forests as well as Environmentalists, NGOs and the general public interested in the conservation forests and wildlife in the State.