Question

What are the main features of the National Forest Policy of India?

Answer 1

Hint: India has been one of the few countries with a forestry policy since 1894. The strategy was revised in 1952 and revised again in 1988. The protection, conservation, and growth of forests is the major objective of the revised forest policy of 1988.

Complete Step by step answer:
 Forestry in India is a major rural industry and a major resource for the environment. India is one of the ten most forest-rich countries in the world. Together, India and the other 9 countries make up 67% of the world's total forest area. India's forest cover increased by 0.20 percent per year over 1990–2000 and increased by 0.7 percent per year over 2000–2010, after decades of severe forest depletion.
After India gained independence from British rule in 1947, there was a need to reconsider forestry policy in the light of recent changes. Accordingly, after a review of the forestry policy, the Government of India adopted the first National Forest Policy of Independent India in 1952. The Policy specified that "India, as a whole, should aim to keep one-third of its total land area under the forest."
"It also concentrated on the ecological and social aspect of forestry, while at the same time warning that 'village communities should under no circumstances be permitted to use forests at the detriment of national interest.' This meant, ultimately, that local communities should be allowed to meet their needs, but within reasonable limits, bearing in mind the national interest.

The major features of the National Forest Policy of India include:
1. Maintenance and restoration of ecological harmony. The current forests will be fully preserved and their efficiency will be increased. Land cover on hillsides and river catchment areas Will be improved.
2. The Habitat and Bird Sanctuaries, National Parks, Biosphere Reserves, and other protected areas network will be expanded and better maintained.
3. The soil erosion and denudation of the catchment areas of water bodies shall be controlled.
4. People will be directly interested in forest health, restoration, and management programs. The basic specifications for forest products for rural and tribal people will be preserved.
5. Augmentation of forest areas by afforestation and social forestry.

Note: 'Protection of forests' means forests found or needed on hillsides, riverbanks, sea-shores, or other eroding sites. In such sites, the need for forest cover is determined by strictly defensive physical factors, such as the prevention of erosion, the protection of moisture, and the regulation of torrents and floods.