Conservation of forest cover in India

Conservation of forest cover in India

          Since independence the land under forest cover has been continuously declining. From 25% of forest cover at the time of independence it has been reduced to 19.5%. Indiscriminate use of wood in construction, as a fuel of the poor & unauthorized felling of trees has exposed India to every kind of natural calamity such as floods, famine, drought, pollution and fickle monsoons. It is estimated that the annual loss of forest cover amounts to 4700 hectares of land. It is right time to check the rot and prevent further depletion of forests. Encroachment of forest land should be made a criminal offence. Those who plunder the forests should not be shown any mercy. We must not forget that proper management of forests is as vital as the control of population. Campaign for plantation of trees should be launched on national level for a certain period. Most of the agricultural land situated by the side of roads and highways is grabbed by the building industry. The farmers find the selling of land more profitable. Rapid industrialization should not be done at the cost of forests. Efforts should be made to take collective measures. Social forestry is ideal for ensuring growth of forests as well as regular means of livelihood. Inspite of strict laws the forest cover is decreasing. As a matter of fact a country needs one third of its land area under forest cover. For India it is highly desirable as her agriculture is based on monsoons. The fast changing conditions in weather are the result of the declining forest cover. Besides, pollution is also a very serious menance in the cities. It can be checked only by rich forests in the country. The govt, is working for targeted 25% area of the country under forest cover by 2007 and 33% by 2012. Accordingly in the 10th five year plan, allocation of funds have been increased to Rs. 1006 crores. It is heartening to note that the govt is taking right step in the right direction.