Explanation : The total geographical area of India is 32,87,469 sq km, of which about 6,75,500 sq km-equal to 22.50 per cent-is under forests. According to the National Forest Policy (1952) about 33 per cent of the geographical area should be under forest. However, the existing forest area is much below the desired level. Madhya Pradesh with 77,265 sq km has the largest area under forests in India, followed by Arunachal Pradesh with 68,045 sq km and Chhattisgarh with 56,448 sq. km. The rank of Orissa and Maharashtra are fourth and fifth respectively. With only 1754 sq. km, Haryana has the lowest area under forest among the states of India. In terms of percentage, Mizoram with 83 per cent of its area under forest holds the first rank, followed by Mizoram at 81 per cent and Nagaland at 80.50 per cent. ....Read more