Guwahati, April 1 -- The Union Environment Ministry presented data to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), revealing that over 13,000 sq km of forest land across 25 States and Union Territories - currently encroached upon-an area larger than the combined geographical size of Delhi, Sikkim, and Goa.

Last year, the NGT took notice of a PTI report that revealed government data showing that 7,50,648 hectares (or 7,506.48 sq km) of forest land was under encroachment.

This area was more than five times the size of Delhi. In response, the NGT directed the ministry to compile detailed data on forest encroachments across all states and Union Territories.

In a report submitted to the NGT last week, the Union Ministry revealed that, as of March 202...