Forest Types of India — Set 5

Correct Answer: B. To protect agricultural fields from wind erosion

Windbreaks and shelterbelts are rows of trees planted along field boundaries primarily to protect agricultural fields from wind erosion and reduce wind speed. They also reduce crop loss due to lodging (wind-blown crop collapse), protect soil moisture, and provide shade for livestock. In arid regions like Rajasthan, shelterbelts are an important component of the Integrated Watershed Management programme. They also serve as habitat for birds and small wildlife.

Correct Answer: B. 16

The Champion and Seth (1968) classification identifies 16 major forest types in India, subdivided into over 220 sub-types. The 16 types range from Tropical Wet Evergreen to Alpine Dry formations. This classification considers rainfall, temperature, soil, and vegetation characteristics. It replaced the earlier Champion (1936) system and remains the standard for forest classification in India's forest surveys and management plans.

Correct Answer: B. Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh is the leading producer of tendu leaves in India, which are used for wrapping bidis (Indian cigarettes). Tendu or Diospyros melanoxylon is a tree found abundantly in dry deciduous forests of central India. Tendu leaf collection is a major seasonal livelihood for millions of tribal communities. The MP government nationalised tendu leaf trade to ensure fair prices to collectors.

Correct Answer: B. Forest with 10-40% canopy cover

Open Forest is defined as forest land with canopy cover between 10% and 40% according to the Forest Survey of India classification. This is the most extensive category of India's forest cover. Open forests are often degraded forests recovering from disturbance or naturally sparse forests in drier regions. They cover approximately 3,07,000 sq km of India and provide important ecosystem services including soil protection and carbon storage.

Correct Answer: B. Karnataka

Sandalwood (Santalum album) trees are primarily found in Karnataka, which accounts for nearly 75% of India's sandalwood production. Sandalwood is also found in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh. The aromatic heartwood of sandalwood is highly valued in perfumery, aromatherapy, religious ceremonies, and cosmetics. Karnataka's Mysore region is world-famous for sandalwood products and incense sticks. Sandalwood trees are semi-parasitic, drawing nutrients from host trees.

Correct Answer: B. Forests enhance rainfall, regulate streamflow, and recharge groundwater

Forests play a crucial role in the water cycle by enhancing local rainfall through transpiration and evaporation, regulating stream flow by absorbing and slowly releasing rainwater, and recharging groundwater. Forest canopy intercepts rainfall and reduces runoff, preventing floods and soil erosion. Deforestation has been linked to decreased rainfall, increased flooding, and groundwater depletion in many regions. Forests are often called 'water towers' for their water-storing function.

Correct Answer: B. Forest Rights Act 2006

The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act 2006, commonly known as the Forest Rights Act (FRA), governs the rights of forest-dwelling communities in India. This law recognises and vests forest rights in Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers who have been living in forests for generations. Rights include community rights over forest land, Minor Forest Produce, grazing, and fishing. The FRA addresses historical injustice done to forest communities.

Correct Answer: B. Green India Mission

The Green India Mission (GIM) was launched under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) to increase India's forest and tree cover. The mission aims to protect, restore, and enhance India's diminishing forest cover and respond to climate change through adaptation and mitigation. The GIM targets 5 million hectares of forest and non-forest land for green cover expansion. It also focuses on improving ecosystem services and enhancing biodiversity.

Correct Answer: B. Villages established by forest departments inside forest areas for labour

Forest Villages are settlements established by the Forest Department inside forest areas, primarily for housing labour needed for forest management and protection activities. These villages developed during British colonial times to supply workforce for forest operations. Forest villagers have limited tenure rights and have been demanding regularisation under the Forest Rights Act 2006. Their status differs from regular revenue villages as they are located within Reserved Forests.

Correct Answer: B. About 21-24%

According to the latest India State of Forest Report by the Forest Survey of India, India's total forest and tree cover is approximately 21-24% of the geographical area (about 8,09,537 sq km as of ISFR 2021). The National Forest Policy 1988 targets 33% forest cover. India has been showing a slight increase in forest cover in recent years due to plantation programmes. The actual forested area varies between different measurement methodologies.