Question

Van Mahotsav is meant for -
(a)Afforestation
(b)Deforestation
(c)Start of the grazing season
(d)Commercial forestry

Answer 1

Hint: The word ‘Van’ means tree and ‘mahotsav’ means celebration in Hindi. Hence, the event is meant for something that celebrates and respects trees. The rest of the events mentioned are about exploitation or destruction of trees.

Complete answer:
 - Van Mahotsav is an annual tree-planting ceremony celebrated in India. It is celebrated for a week in the first week of July.
- The celebration was inaugurated in the year 1950 by K.M. Munshi.
- The festival aims to encourage the citizens of India to plant more trees and tend to them, ultimately leading to more forest cover in the country.
- Van Mahotsava is celebrated by planting trees or saplings in homes, offices, schools, and colleges.

Additional Information: - The first week of July is considered an ideal time for the celebration as it marks the beginning of the rainy season.
- Afforestation is the establishment of trees or forests in areas that had no forest cover. Numerous governmental and non-governmental organizations undertake projects to grow more trees on unused lands, for future improvements in air and land quality.
- Afforestation has a high potential for the production of alternative fuels, increase in production of food resources, creation of shelter-belts around fields to increase productivity and reduce the effects of flooding and extreme weather, providing food and shade for cattle, offer ornamental and decorative landscapes, reducing drought, and helping to prevent soil erosion.

So, the correct answer is ‘Afforestation’.

Note: - Other environmental celebrations that are celebrated around the world are Earth Day on April 22, World Environment Day on June 5, World Wildlife Week from October 1st to 7th, and others.
- The National Science Day in India is celebrated on February 28.