Question

What percent of the total land area in India is covered by forest?
A. $20.3\mathrm{\%}$
B. $21.67\mathrm{\%}$
C. $25.4\mathrm{\%}$
D. $33\mathrm{\%}$

Answer 1

Hint: Forest area in the country is far lower than the desired percentage of geographical area, as it was outlined in the National Forest Policy (1952). This percentage was considered essential for the maintenance of the ecological balance.

Complete Answer:Physical factors like Topography, climate, soil types as well as human factors such as population density, technological capability and culture, and traditions, etc., both determine the use of land patterns. In India, the land is primarily used for agriculture, grazing, and other activities like the construction of roads and industries, housing, etc. A total of $3.28$ million sq km is the geographical area of India. However, only $93\mathrm{\%}$ of the total geographical area is available for Land use data because, for most of the north-east states except Assam, the land use reporting has not been done fully. Moreover, some areas of Jammu and Kashmir have also not been surveyed since it is occupied by Pakistan and China. The land under permanent pasture has also decreased. Most of the other lands are either of poor quality or the cost of cultivation of such lands is very high. Ceaseless utilization of land throughout a significant stretch of time without taking suitable measures to preserve and oversee it has brought about land corruption, which has genuine repercussions on society and the climate.
Despite the desired $33\mathrm{\%}$ of forest area, India’s total land area covered by forest is $21.67\mathrm{\%}$.

Thus, option (B) is correct.

Note: According to the India State of Forest Report, 2019, the total forest and tree cover is $24.56\mathrm{\%}$ of the geographical area of the country. Out of this the total forest cover is 7,12,249 sq km which is $21.67\mathrm{\%}$ and tree cover is $2.89\mathrm{\%}$.