Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
6. The issue of shortage of land to increase forest cover could be overcome by increasing tree cover outside forests. Discuss in the light of Agro-forestry and social forestry. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
The recently released India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2021 shows the total forest and tree cover in India is 80.9 million hectares, which is 24.62 per cent of the geographical area of the country. Between 2019 and 2021, the forest and tree cover rose by 2,261 sq km.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about methods to increase forest cover outside forests.
Directive word:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by mentioning context regarding India’s obligation to increase its forest cover.
Body:
Next, by citing statistic mention the progress achieved so far with respect to forest cover and limitations associated with traditional ways for forest generation.
Next, write about the scope of Agro-Forestry and Social forestry as means to increase forest cover in India. Its scope and potential to be implemented as well as its limitations.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward to further mainstream these concepts.
