Forest Conservation MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Forest Conservation - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is Option 2: Around 45%.

Key Points

• According to the Forest Survey Report 2021, the forest cover of Himachal Pradesh is approximately 45%.
• Himachal Pradesh has a total forest cover of 15,433 square kilometers.
• The state has significant forest areas due to its geographical location and climate.
• The dense forests of Himachal Pradesh play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and supporting biodiversity.

Additional Information

• Forest Survey of India (FSI)
  • FSI is an organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India.
  • It conducts biennial forest surveys and assessments to monitor the country's forest resources.
• Forest Cover Categories
  • Very Dense Forest: Land with tree canopy density of 70% and above.
  • Moderately Dense Forest: Land with tree canopy density between 40% and 70%.
  • Open Forest: Land with tree canopy density between 10% and 40%.
• Importance of Forests
  • Forests provide habitat for wildlife and support biodiversity.
  • They play a significant role in carbon sequestration and climate regulation.
  • Forests contribute to soil conservation and water cycle regulation.
• Afforestation and Reforestation
  • Afforestation refers to the process of planting trees in an area where there was no previous tree cover.
  • Reforestation is the replanting of trees in deforested areas.
  • Both practices are essential for restoring ecological balance and combating climate change.

The correct answer is 25 November 1974.

• Uttar Pradesh Forest Corporation Act, 1974 extends to the whole of Uttar Pradesh.
•  Under this, the corporation was established on 25 November 1974.​
• Functions And Powers Of The Corporation​
  • The Corporation may undertake the execution of any afforestation project at the request of the State Government or, with the previous approval of the State Government, at the request of any other person on such terms and conditions as may be agreed upon.

Additional Information

Key Points

The correct answer is Forest conservation.

Key Points

• The Chipko movement originated in the early 1970s in the Uttarakhand region of India (then part of Uttar Pradesh) to prevent deforestation and protect trees.
• It was a non-violent environmental movement where villagers, especially women, hugged trees to prevent them from being cut down.
• This movement was spearheaded by environmentalist Sunderlal Bahuguna and others, emphasizing the sustainable use of forest resources.
• The Chipko movement highlighted the critical importance of forests for maintaining ecological balance and the livelihoods of local communities.
• It became a symbol of grassroots environmental activism and inspired similar movements globally.

Additional Information

• Deforestation: The clearing of forests for agriculture, urbanization, or industrial purposes can lead to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and climate change.
• Community Forestry: The Chipko movement emphasized the concept of community-managed forests to ensure sustainable use while protecting biodiversity.
• Sunderlal Bahuguna: A prominent environmentalist associated with the Chipko movement, he also advocated for the Himalayan ecology and against large-scale dam projects.
• Women's Role: Women played a pivotal role in the Chipko movement, as they were the primary beneficiaries of forest resources for fuel, fodder, and water, making them key stakeholders in conservation efforts.
• Legacy: The movement inspired later environmental campaigns, such as the Appiko movement in Karnataka and global efforts to combat deforestation and promote afforestation.

The correct answer is Reserved Forest.

Key Points

• Reserved forests in India are declared under the Indian Forest Act, 1927 or other relevant forest laws.
• These forests enjoy a higher degree of protection compared to other types of forests, like protected or village forests.
• In Reserved Forests, all activities such as grazing, hunting, and other human activities are completely banned unless specific permission is granted by the relevant authorities.
• The primary purpose of Reserved Forests is to conserve biodiversity, protect wildlife habitats, and maintain ecological balance.

Additional Information

• Unclassed Forest
  • Unclassed forests are forests and wastelands belonging to both government and private individuals and communities.
  • They do not fall under the category of reserved or protected forests.
  • These forests are often used for shifting cultivation and other community needs.
• Village Forest
  • Village forests are established under the provisions of the Indian Forest Act, 1927.
  • These forests are managed by village communities for their local needs, such as fuel, fodder, and small timber.
  • They are a part of the participatory forest management approach to involve local communities in forest conservation.
• Protected Forest
  • Protected forests are also declared under the Indian Forest Act, 1927 or other relevant forest laws.
  • The level of protection in protected forests is lower compared to reserved forests.
  • In protected forests, local communities may be allowed certain rights and concessions, like grazing and collection of minor forest produce, subject to government regulations.

Option 4 is correct.

• Chipko movement began in Rajasthan. 

​Key Points 

• The original ’Chipko movement’ was started around 260 years back in the early part of the 18th century in Rajasthan by the Bishnoi community.
• It is said that members of the Bishnoi community of Rajasthan led by Amrita Devi laid down their lives in an effort to protect the Khejadi trees from being felled on the orders of the king of Jodhpur in 1730.
• After this, the king of Jodhpur gave a strong royal decree preventing the cutting of trees in all Bishnoi villages.
• Rajasthan capital: Jaipur. 
• Rajasthan CM: Bhajan Lal Sharma 
• Rajasthan Governor: Haribhau Kisanrao Bagade

Confusion Points

• In modern times Chipko movement began in Uttarakhand in 1973.
• Sunderlal Bahuguna was the leader of this movement. 

The correct answer is 1980.

Key Points 

• The Forest Conservation Act was enacted on 25 October 1980.
• It provides the conservation of forests and matters connected to the habitat of many animals as well.
• The aim of the Forest (Conservation) Act was to ensure the protection and conservation of trees so that they can support the wildlife as well as save the habitat of many animals and keep an eye on the deforestation and degradation of forest resources.
• Constitutional provisions of Forest Conservation:
  • Article 48-A: protection and improvement of environment and safeguarding of forests and wildlife – the state shall endeavor to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country.
  • Article 51(g) states that it shall be the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures.

Additional Information 

• The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 authorizes the central government to protect and improve environmental quality, control and reduce pollution from all sources, and prohibit or restrict the setting and operation of any industrial facility on environmental grounds.
• The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 provides the protection of wild animals, birds, and plants and for matters connected therewith or ancillary or incidental thereto with a view to ensuring the ecological and environmental security of the country.
• The Water (prevention and control of pollution) act, 1974 was formed to prevent the pollution of water by industrial, agricultural, and household wastewater.
• It can contaminate our water sources.
• The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981 is formed for the prevention, control and abatement of air pollution.

The correct answer is 25 November 1974.

• Uttar Pradesh Forest Corporation Act, 1974 extends to the whole of Uttar Pradesh.
•  Under this, the corporation was established on 25 November 1974.​
• Functions And Powers Of The Corporation​
  • The Corporation may undertake the execution of any afforestation project at the request of the State Government or, with the previous approval of the State Government, at the request of any other person on such terms and conditions as may be agreed upon.

Additional Information

Key Points

The correct answer is Maximum biodiversity.

Key Points

• The tropical rain forest is a forest with tall trees in a region of year-round high temperatures where an average of 50 to 260 inches of rain falls yearly.
• Tropical rainforests are areas of extremely high biodiversity compared to other ecosystems.
• In the tropical rainforests of Borneo, scientists have documented more than 15,000 plant species, including 2,500 species of orchids.
• Biologists estimate that tropical rainforests contain about 50% of the world’s terrestrial plant and animal species, yet they encompass only about 6% of the world’s land area.

Important Points

• Rain forests belong to the tropical wet climate group.
• The temperature in a rain forest rarely gets higher than 34 °C or drops below 20 °C, average humidity is between 77 and 88%.
• There is usually a brief season of less rain.
• Almost all rain forests lie near the equator.
• Rainforests now cover less than 6% of Earth’s land surface. 

​The correct answer is C. G. Blomfield.

• C. G. Blomfield British Architect had designed the building of Forest Research Institute (FRI).

Additional Information

• The Forest Research Institute (FRI) is a Natural Resource Service training institute of the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education and is a premier institution in the field of forestry research in India for Indian Forest Service cadres and all State Forest Service cadres.
• It is located at Dehradun in Uttarakhand and is among the oldest institutions of its kind. 
• In 1991, it was declared a deemed university by the University Grants Commission.
• The Forest Research Institute campus hosts the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA), the staff college that trains officers selected for the Indian Forest Service (IFS).
• It was founded in 1878 as the British Imperial Forest School by Dietrich Brandis.
• In 1906, it was reestablished as the Imperial Forest Research Institute, under the British Imperial Forestry Service. 
• The Forest Research Institute (FRI) Dehradun, was first situated at Chandhbagh (the present location of the Doon School) on Mall Road.
• Construction of the new buildings commenced thereafter. Styled in Greco-Roman Architecture by C.G. Blomfield, the main building was inaugurated in 1929 by then Viceroy Freeman Freeman-Thomas, 1st Marquess of Willingdon.
• It is now a National Heritage site.
• FRI and College Area campus is a census town, between Kaulagarh in the north and the Indian Military Academy to the south. The Tons River forms its Western Boundary.
• The building was listed for a time, in the Guinness Book of Records, as the largest purely brick structure in the world.
• The institute has a developed infrastructure of all equipped laboratories, library, herbarium, arboreta, printing press, and experimental field areas for conducting forestry research, quite in keeping with the best of its kind anywhere in the world.
• It is 7 km from Clock Tower, on the Dehradun-Chakrata motorable road.
• It is the biggest forest-based training institute in India.
• The FRI's building also houses a Botanical Museum and there are many different kinds of trees from around the world.

Important Points

• The current Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change - Prakash Javadekar.
• Central Forest Research Institute is situated at Dehradun.
• The largest forest area in India - Madhya Pradesh.
• The least forest area in India - Haryana.
• World Forest Day - 21st March.
• World Water Day - 22nd March.
• World Meteorological Day - 23rd March.
• International Earth Day - 22nd April.

The correct answer is Bhilwara.

• Peacock is the district symbol/mascot of Bhilwara.

Key Points

• For the conservation and safety of forest animals, the Rajasthan Forest Department has come up with a unique idea to create awareness.
• Each district of the Rajasthan will be represented by an animal mascot.
• The selection of the mascot will be based on the species present in the particular district.
• For Example, the deer has been declared the mascot of Jaipur and crane in Bharatpur.
• The main purpose of the initiative is to create awareness amongst the masses.
• A two-day programme has been organised in each district to where school and college students will be educated about the country's rich fauna and way to conserve this.

Additional Information

• Other Mascots of Districts:
  • Kharmor bird in Ajmer
  • Sambar deer in Alwar
  • Bronze winged Jacana in Banswara
  • Alligator in Baran
  • Fox in Barmer
  • Sandgrouse in Bikaner
  • Golden pheasant in Bundi
  • Rabbit in Dausa
  • Indian Screamer in Dhaulpur

​The correct answer is 1952 A. D.

• National Forest Policy implemented in India in the year 1952 A. D.

Key Points

• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is an Indian government ministry.
• The ministry is responsible for planning, promoting, coordinating, and overseeing the implementation of environmental and forestry programmes in the country.
• The main activities undertaken by the ministry include:
  • Conservation and survey of the flora of India and fauna of India, forests and other wilderness areas.
  • Prevention and control of pollution.
  • Afforestation, and land degradation mitigation.
  • Protection of the environment.
  • Ensuring the welfare of animals.
• It is responsible for the administration of the 1947 national parks of India.
• The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change is the cadre controlling authority of the Indian Forest Service (IFS), one of the three All India Services
• The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) is the nodal agency in the administrative structure of the Central Government for planning, promotion, coordination and overseeing the implementation of India's environmental and forestry policies and programmes.
• The Ministry also serves as the nodal agency in the country for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP), International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and for the follow-up of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED).

​Additional Information

• The basic objectives that should govern the National Forest Policy - are the following:
  • Maintenance of environmental stability through preservation and, where necessary, restoration of the ecological balance that has been adversely disturbed by serious depletion of the forests of the country.
  • Conserving the natural heritage of the country by preserving the remaining natural forests with the vast variety of flora and fauna, which represent the remarkable biological diversity and genetic resources of the country.
  • Checking soil erosion and denudation in the catchment areas of rivers, lakes, reservoirs in the "interest of soil and water conservation, for mitigating floods and droughts and for the retardation of siltation of reservoirs
  • Checking the extension of sand-dunes in the desert areas of Rajasthan and along the coastal tracts.
  • Increasing substantially the forest/tree cover in the country through massive afforestation and social forestry programmes, especially on all denuded, degraded and unproductive lands.
  • Meeting the requirements of fuel-wood, fodder, minor forest produce and small timber of the rural and tribal populations.
  • Increasing the productivity of forests to meet essential national needs
  • Encouraging efficient utilisation of forest produce and maximising substitution of wood.
  • Creating a massive people's movement with the involvement of women, for achieving these objectives and to minimize pressure on existing forests.

Important Points

• The current Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change - Prakash Javadekar.
• Central Forest Research Institute is situated at Dehradun.
• The largest forest area in India - Madhya Pradesh.
• The least forest area in India - Haryana.
• World Forest Day - 21^st March.
• World Water Day - 22nd March.
• World Meteorological Day - 23rd March.
• International Earth Day - 22^nd April

Concept:

• Deforestation is the permanent removal of trees to make room for something besides the forest.
• This can include clearing the land for agriculture or grazing or using the timber for fuel, construction, or manufacturing. 

Explanation:

Increase in soil erosion:

• Deforestation is one of the major causes of soil erosion.
• Plants keep soils bound in locks of roots, and thus, prevent erosion.
• They also add humus to the soil by shedding leaves and twigs.
• Forests have been denuded practically in most parts of India but their effect on soil erosion is more in hilly parts of the country.

Important Points

Consequences of deforestation:

• Reduction in groundwater.
• Exposing soil to heat and rain
• Flooding
• Loss of biodiversity
• Displacement of indigenous communities
• Climate change
• Economic loss
• Landslides
• Decreased rainfall

Thus, the disadvantage of deforestation is Increase in soil erosion.

The correct answer is Vandana Shiva.

Important Points

• Navdanya is an Indian-based non-governmental organization that promotes biodiversity conservation, biodiversity, organic farming, the rights of farmers, and the process of seed saving.
•  Vandana Shiva, an environmental activist, physicist, and author from Delhi, India.

 Key Points

• "Navdanya" means "nine crops" that represent India's collective source of food security.
• Navdanya’s mission focuses on improving the well being of small and marginalized rural producers through non-violent biodiverse organic farming and fair trade.
• Navdanya’s mission is to promote peace and harmony, justice, and sustainability. We strive to achieve these goals through the conservation, renewal, and rejuvenation of the gifts of biodiversity we have received from nature and our ancestors, and to defend these gifts as commons.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Pandu Rao Hegde of Sirsi.

Key Points

• Appiko movement was to protect and conserve flora and fauna of Western Ghats in Sirsi and Shimoga, Karnataka
• It was led by Pandurang Hegde / Pandu Rao Hegde of Sirsi.
• The movement with the active involvement of local community works towards the protection of flora and fauna of Western Ghats, in Shimoga and Sirsi regions of Karnataka.

Additional Information

• It was inspired by the famous Chipko movement in Uttarakhand.
• Hegde decided to start a similar movement in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka.
• He states that the land under forest cover has gradually reduced over a period of time. From 82% in the 1980s, it has now come down to 35%.
• Based on these three principles, Hegde has been working on a silent revolution to conserve distinct varieties of flora and fauna:
  • Ulisu
    • ​Aims to save and protect the resources that cannot be regenerated artificially
  • Belesu
    • Aims to grow trees for the regeneration of the resource
  • Balasu
    • ​Aims to use forest resources rationally.