Definitions [1]
Definition: Deforestation
Deforestation is the conversion of forested areas into non-forested areas for agricultural, industrial, urban or other human uses.
Key Points
Key Points: Deforestation and Its Causes
- India's forest cover reduced from 30% to 19.4% in the 20th century. National Forest Policy 1988 recommends 33% for plains, 67% for hills.
- Effects of deforestation — increased CO₂, loss of biodiversity, disturbed hydrological cycle, soil erosion and desertification.
- Jhum Cultivation (Slash and Burn) — trees cut and burnt, ash used as fertiliser, land farmed, then left to recover. Practised in North-East India.
- Chipko Movement — launched by Chandi Prasad Bhatt and Sundar Lal Bahuguna against tree felling by timber contractors in Uttarakhand.
- Amrita Devi Bishnoi Wildlife Protection Award — given to individuals/communities showing courage in protecting wildlife. Inspired by Amrita Devi, who sacrificed her life in 1731 to protect trees in Rajasthan.
- Joint Forest Management (JFM) — introduced in the 1980s; local communities protect forests and get forest products (fruits, gum, rubber, medicine) in return.
Key Points: Conservation of Forest
- Afforestation and Reforestation
Large-scale afforestation programmes are promoted to increase forest cover, while reforestation helps restore forests that were destroyed earlier, either naturally or through human efforts. - Social Forestry
Started in 1976, social forestry encourages plantation on community and public lands to supply firewood, fodder and small timber, reducing pressure on natural forests and involving local people. - Agroforestry
Agroforestry integrates agriculture, forestry and animal husbandry on the same land to increase productivity, conserve the environment and meet demands for fuel, fodder and timber. - Urban Forestry
Urban forestry focuses on planting trees in towns and cities for aesthetic value, pollution control and improvement of urban environment. - Forest Policies and Legislation
The National Forest Policy (1988) and the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 aim to protect forests, prevent diversion of forest land, promote sustainable use and encourage people’s participation in forest conservation.
