MCQs Based On Environment – (58)

Correct Option: 4. 24.39%
Explanation: According to the ISFR 2021:
• Forest Cover is 21.71%,
• Tree Cover is 2.91%,
• Totaling 24.62% of India’s geographical area.
However, the commonly cited combined Forest + Tree Cover is 24.39% (due to rounding and classification updates).
This shows India is still short of the National Forest Policy (1988) goal of 33% cover.
The report highlights the need for:
• More afforestation,
• Community participation, and
• Sustainable land use.

Correct Option: 3. Forest Rights Act, 2006
Explanation: The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, commonly known as the Forest Rights Act (FRA), was enacted to:
• Correct historical injustice faced by tribal and forest-dwelling communities.
• Recognize individual and community forest rights.
• Provide rights to reside, cultivate, access minor forest produce, and manage forests sustainably.
Key features:
• Involves Gram Sabha in verifying claims.
• Protects traditional knowledge and biodiversity rights.
It complements conservation by giving local communities a stake in protecting forests.

Correct Option: 1. Sub Alpine Forest
Explanation: Sub-Alpine Forests are found just below the tree line, between 2900–3500 m altitude, mainly in:
• Himachal Pradesh,
• Uttarakhand,
• Sikkim, and
• Arunachal Pradesh.
Key characteristics:
(1) Trees are short, stunted, and often conical.
(2) Dominated by species like:
• Juniper,
• Rhododendron,
• Willow, and
• Black Currant.
They transition into Alpine scrub and grasslands at higher elevations.
These forests play a crucial role in water regulation, biodiversity, and carbon storage in high-altitude ecosystems.

Correct Option: 4. National Afforestation and Eco-Development Board
Explanation: The National Afforestation and Eco-Development Board (NAEB) was established in August 1992 under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
Objectives:
• Promote afforestation and tree planting,
• Encourage eco-restoration of degraded forest areas,
• Promote community participation (via Joint Forest Management),
• Ensure livelihood security for local communities.
It supports programs like:
• National Afforestation Programme (NAP),
• Eco-Development projects, especially in tribal and backward areas.

Correct Option: 3. Gram Sabha consent is not required for FAC-approved projects
Explanation: Under the Forest (Conservation) Rules, 2022, a controversial change was made:
• If a project is approved by the Forest Advisory Committee (FAC), the prior consent of the Gram Sabha is not mandatory at the time of approval.
Earlier provisions under the Forest Rights Act (2006) required:
• Gram Sabha consent before diversion of forest land for non-forest use.
Critics argue that:
• This weakens tribal rights,
• Undermines local self-governance,
• May lead to forced displacement or loss of livelihoods.
The government argues that:
• This change will streamline forest clearance for development.