Question
Download Solution PDFAs per the India State of Forest Report 2021, which one of the following Himalayan states has the highest percentage of its geographical area under forest?
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDFThe correct answer is Arunachal Pradesh.
Key Points
- According to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2021, Arunachal Pradesh has the highest percentage of its geographical area under forest among the Himalayan states.
- Arunachal Pradesh has a forest cover of approximately 79.33% of its geographical area, making it the leading state in this regard.
- The state is part of the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot and is home to diverse flora and fauna, which contributes to its extensive forest cover.
- Other Himalayan states like Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Uttarakhand have lower percentages of forest cover compared to Arunachal Pradesh.
- The forest cover in Arunachal Pradesh plays a critical role in climate regulation, water conservation, and biodiversity preservation in the region.
Additional Information
- India State of Forest Report (ISFR):
- Published biennially by the Forest Survey of India (FSI), an organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
- ISFR provides comprehensive data on forest cover, tree cover, and the condition of forests in India.
- The 2021 report highlights an increase in the total forest and tree cover of the country by 2,261 sq. km compared to the previous assessment.
- Forest Cover Categories:
- Very Dense Forest (VDF): Tree canopy density of 70% or above.
- Moderately Dense Forest (MDF): Tree canopy density between 40%-70%.
- Open Forest (OF): Tree canopy density between 10%-40%.
- Biodiversity in Arunachal Pradesh:
- Arunachal Pradesh is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to rare and endangered species such as the red panda, clouded leopard, and mithun.
- The state also has a wide variety of medicinal plants and orchids.
- Role of Forests in Himalayan States:
- Forests in the Himalayan region are crucial for water conservation, soil erosion prevention, and serving as carbon sinks.
- They also support the livelihoods of indigenous communities and contribute to eco-tourism.
- Challenges to Forest Conservation:
- Deforestation due to infrastructure development, shifting cultivation, and illegal logging.
- Climate change impacts such as glacial retreat and altered precipitation patterns.
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