Question

National forest policy recommended...........% of forest cover in plains.
A. 23
B. 33
C. 43
D. 53

Answer 1

The national forest policy was launched in 1988. The basic aim of this policy was to ensure environmental stability, maintain ecological balance and equilibrium so that all the life forms like flora and fauna can sustain.

Complete Answer:
National forest policy is an agreement made between the government and the stakeholders with respect to harnessing the forest produce.
This policy says that “India as a whole, should aim at maintaining one-third of its land area under forest”.

The main objectives of this policy are:
- Maintenance of environmental stability by preserving and restoring ecological balance.
- Protecting the natural heritage.
- Checking soil erosion in the catchment areas of the water bodies.
- Checking the growth of sand dunes in the desert and coastal areas.
- Afforestation and social forestry to increase forest cover.
- Requirements of rural and tribal people of fuel, wood, fodder, forest produce to be taken care of.
- National needs of the forest produce to be fulfilled.
- Optimising the use of timber and promotion of efficient use of forest produce.
- Creating work opportunities for all including women.

The correct answer is (B). National forest policy recommended 33% of forest cover in plains.

Note: The National forest policy has laid emphasis on social forestry. It involves the maintenance of ecological balance through proper utilisation of farm resources. It helps in conserving soil and water efficiently. Also help in utilising wasteland and degraded lands as a result of which it reduces the pressure on forests.