Question

Why is it difficult for India to protect its forests?

Answer 1

Protection of forests is done through implementation of Forest Conservation Act (1980) and through establishment of protected areas. The Government of India has established 597 Protected Areas of which 95 are National Parks and 500 Wild Life Sanctuaries.

Answer 2

The major causes of forest decline include:
1) pollution from both industry and agriculture
2) stress factors, e.g., desiccation,
3) changes in stand dynamics,
4) decline disease of forest or diseases of complex etiology,
5) degradation of productivity and/or soil fertility in pure plantation forests.