Question

Read the following text:

(1)	Forests are often called the lungs of the Earth, and in India, they are an integral part of the country’s ecological, economic, and cultural fabric. They regulate temperatures and help keep the air clean. Covering about 21.71% of India’s geographical area, forests play a pivotal role in sustaining biodiversity, regulating climate, and supporting the livelihoods of millions of people. However, these verdant expanses face numerous challenges, raising important questions about conservation, sustainable development and policy priorities.
(2)	India’s forests are incredibly diverse, ranging from the lush tropical rain forests to the alpine vegetation of the Himalayas. This diversity is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic or endangered, such as the Bengal tiger, Indian elephant, and Nilgiri Tahr. Forests also provide critical ecosystem services like water conservation, soil fertility, and carbon sequestration, which are essential in combating climate change.
(3)	Economically, forests contribute significantly through timber, medicinal plants and Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) like honey and bamboo. They are also central to the lives of tribal communities who depend on them for sustenance and cultural practices. However, this dependence brings to light the complex relationship between human development and forest preservation.
(4)	Is it possible to achieve economic growth without degrading forest resources? The pressures on India’s forests are immense. Rapid urbanization, industrial expansion, mining, and agricultural encroachment have led to significant deforestation. According to recent reports, India lost around 66,000 hectares of forest cover between 2019 and 2021. This loss not only threatens biodiversity but also exacerbates climate-related challenges such as rising temperatures and erratic rainfall.
(5)	Policy measures like the Forest Conservation Act of 1980 and initiatives such as Compensatory Afforestation and Van Mahotsav (Forest Festival) reflect efforts to preserve and expand forest areas. However, critics argue that these measures often fail to address ground realities. For instance, afforestation projects may involve planting monoculture species that disrupt ecosystems rather than restore natural biodiversity. Similarly, conflicts arise when policies overlook the rights of indigenous communities, leading to displacement and social tensions. India’s forests are a microcosm of the global struggle to balance development with conservation.
(6)	Solutions lie in adopting sustainable practices, such as agroforestry, eco-tourism, and community-based conservation models. Empowering local communities to act as custodians of forests ensures both their livelihoods and the health of forest ecosystems. Moreover, raising awareness about the importance of forests can inspire collective action at all levels.

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above: 

1. In paragraph 1, what does the phrase ‘Lungs of the Earth’ refer to with reference to the passage? 1
2. Complete the following with the correct option from the two given: 1
   Forests play a significant role in sustaining biodiversity by ______.
   
   1. balancing climate change and creating livelihoods for people.
   2. Providing wood for fuel and industries worldwide. (Para 1) 
3. Support the writer’s idea that forests provide critical ecosystem services with textual evidence. (Para 2) 2
4. What do the recent statistics on deforestation reveal about the state of India’s forests? 1
   1. Deforestation has decreased significantly.
   2. Forest loss has been stabilised.
   3. Forest cover is rapidly declining.
   4. There is no significant impact on forest cover. (Para 4)
5. Select the concept that best reflects the complex relationship between human development and preservation. (Para 3) 1
   1. Rapid urbanization has led to widespread deforestation depriving flora and fauna of its natural habitat. 
   2. The introduction of initiatives like Van Mahotsav serve as compensatory afforestation. 
6. State whether the following statement is true or false: 1
   Deforestation is one of the reasons for erratic rainfall. (Para 4)
7. List one challenge that critics see in compensatory afforestation measures. (Para 5) 1
8. How do community-based conservation models benefit both forests and local Communities? (Para 6) 2

Answer 1

1. Lungs of the Earth refers to forests because they regulate. temperature and help keep the air clean.
2. Forests play a significant role in sustaining biodiversity by balancing climate change and creating livelihoods for people.
3. Forests also provide critical ecosystem services like water conservation, soil fertility, and carbon sequestration, which are essential in combating climate change.
4. Forest cover is rapidly declining.
5. Rapid urbanisation has led to widespread deforestation depriving flora and fauna of its natural habitat. 
6. True
7. One challenge is that afforestation projects may involve planting monoculture species that disrupt ecosystems instead of restoring natural biodiversity.
8. Community-based conservation models benefit forests and local communities by empowering local people to act as custodians of forests, ensuring both their livelihoods and the health of forest ecosystems.