Question

Social Forestry Programme was adapted in India during
(A) 1961
(B) 1971
(C) 1976
(D)1986

Answer 1

According to the Social Forestry Programme, it is meant for reducing the pressure associated with the forests by doing proper afforestation on the unused or uncultivated lands.

Complete answer:
The Social Forestry Programme, which was approved in 1961 in India, intends in managing and protecting the forests and planting trees on unused and unplanted lands with the intention of aiding ecological, rural and social development. However, due to negligence of higher authorities and government agencies, this programme became unsuccessful.

The main purpose of social forestry was aimed at elevating the planting of trees, even by an ordinary man, to meet the rising demands of fuel wood, timber, etc., which would significantly reduce the pressure over conventional forest areas.

The major advantages of social forestry include reduction of pressure over the natural forests, increase in the productivity of some specific trees like timber, and utilization of uncultivated lands. It also helped for availing raw materials for pulp industries. It is very common and understood that the significance of forestry can never be underrated.

The human beings, animals and other creatures are highly dependent on the forests and related products for survival. Apart from providing habitation to diverse groups of animals, the forests also offer livelihood to humans. The forest also provides watershed fortification, prevents soil erosion and alleviates climatic changes.

Hence the correct answer is option ‘A’ i.e, 1961.

Note: The approach of managing lands in which shrubs and trees are grown-up around the crops, while social forestry is the method of protecting the forests or afforestation over the barren lands.