UPSC Prelims 2005 Q147: Environment & Ecology – Environmental Governance & Legislation
Consider the following statements:
1. The forest cover in India constitutes around 20 % of its geographical area. Out of the total
forest cover, dense forest constitutes around 40 %.
2. The National Forestry Action Programme aims at bringing one - third of the area of India under
tree/forest cover.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation
Forest cover and the National Forestry Action Programme
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| 1. Forest cover about 20%, with dense forest around 40% of it | Not accepted: dense forest is a larger share of the cover |
| 2. NFAP aims at one-third of the area under tree/forest cover | True |
Only statement 2 is correct: the National Forestry Action Programme and the Forest Policy target one-third of India's area under forest or tree cover.
Answer: (b) 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 1 is not accepted.
- (b) CORRECT. Only statement 2 is correct.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 1 is not correct.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 2 is correct.
Key point
National Forest Policy 1988: 33% forest and tree cover; 66% in hills.
Remember
The national goal is one-third of India's area under forest and tree cover.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting the 33% forest cover target.
- Mixing forest cover with tree cover.
- Taking the dense forest share from an older survey.
Exam tip
Target 33% of area under forest and tree cover.
Sources
- Forest Survey of India — State of Forest Report 2003
- Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India — National Forest Policy, 1988