Definitions [3]
Definition: Deforestation
Deforestation is the conversion of forested areas into non-forested areas for agricultural, industrial, urban or other human uses.
Definition: Pollution
Pollution is the addition of any such constituent to air, water or land which deteriorates the natural quality of the environment.
Definition: Pollutant
Pollutant is any such constituent which causes pollution.
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.
