Correct option is D
(D) Tenth
.India holds the 10th position in the world when it comes to forest expansion. The country has made significant strides in increasing its forest cover, especially through afforestation and reforestation initiatives. According to the Forest Survey of India (FSI), India has been witnessing an increase in forest cover over the past few decades, which helps combat climate change and boosts biodiversity.
India's forest cover is growing due to the focus on sustainable forest management, the National Afforestation Programme, and several state-specific green initiatives. Although the pace of forest expansion is relatively slower compared to countries with less population pressure, India has been working to enhance its forest cover to tackle environmental challenges, mitigate floods, and protect wildlife.
Information Booster:
- India's Forest Cover: As of the latest FSI report, India’s total forest cover is about 24.56% of the total geographical area, which has seen a positive shift in the last few years.
- Top Countries by Forest Expansion: Countries like China and Brazil have been expanding their forest areas more rapidly, but India is making notable progress through government initiatives.
- Forest Cover vs. Forest Expansion: Forest expansion refers to increasing the forested area, while India’s ranking is in terms of the expansion rate, not just the total forest cover.
- India’s focus on biodiversity conservation through forest management is another reason for its notable position in the world rankings for forest expansion.
- The Green India Mission aims to enhance India’s forest cover to 33% of the country’s geographical area by 2030, which will further improve its global standing in terms of forest conservation.
Additional Information:
- India’s Forest Cover: India’s forest expansion is part of a broader global effort to restore forests and increase the area covered by greenery, helping to reduce carbon emissions.
- Forest-based Livelihoods: Forests are critical to rural livelihoods in India, providing resources like timber, fuelwood, medicinal plants, and non-timber forest products.