1st PUC Geography Question Bank Chapter 10 Climate, Soil and Forest

Students can Download 1st PUC Geography Chapter 10 Climate, Soil and Forest Questions and Answers, Notes Pdf, 1st PUC Geography Question Bank with Answers helps you to revise the complete Karnataka State Board Syllabus and to clear all their doubts, score well in final exams.

Karnataka 1st PUC Geography Question Bank Chapter 10 Climate, Soil and Forest

1st PUC Geography Climate, Soil and Forest Text Book Questions and Answers

I. Answer the following in a word or a sentence each.

Question 1.
What type of climate is found in India?
Answer:
Tropical Monsoon climate

Question 2.
Define Monsoon.
Answer:
Monsoons are periodic winds in which there is a reversal of wind direction periodically.

Question 3.
Mention the place which records a high range of Temperature.
Answer:
In summer western Rajasthan records more than 55°c of temperature in India.

Question 4.
Which is the driest season in India?
Answer:
The winter season

Question 5.
Name the region which receives ‘Monsoon outburst’.
Answer:
The Malabar Coast of Kerala.

Question 6.
Which is called ‘ Mawsynram of South India?
Answer:
Agumbe.

Question 7.
Why are cyclones formed during North East Monsoon season?
Answer:
Pedology is the Scientific study of soil.

Question 8.
Define Pedology.
Answer:
Pedology is the scientific study of soil.

Question 9.
Name the Soil which covers a vast areas of the country.
Answer:
Alluvial Soil (43.36%)

Question 10.
Why is Black soil called Regur soil?
Answer:
The word ‘Regur’ is derived from the weath ered basalt rocks, and it is tight black to dark-black in colour.

Question 11.
Where do we see Laterite soil?
Answer:
Western Ghats, Parts of Eastern Ghats and North Eastren hills of India.

Question 12.
What is ‘Green Gold’?
Answer:
Forests and their resources which are useful to man are called ‘Green Gold’.

Question 13.
Mention the average forest cover of the country.
Answer:
22.50%

Question 14.
Which forest has high economic value trees?
Answer:
Hilly and Mountain ranges of the western Ghats, parts of Eastern Ghats and Northeastern Hills of India.

Question 15.
Where do we find Dehang Debang Biosphere reserve?
Answer:
In Aruriachal Pradesh.

II. Answer the following in two or three sentences each.

Question 1.
Why is India called the ‘Meteorological Unit’?
Answer:
On account of the variability in climatic conditions, seasonally and regionally, India is called ‘Meteorological Unit’.

Question 2.
Mention any two convectional rainfall of India,
Answer:

• Mango showers
• Cherry Blossoms

Question 3.
Write the significance of Monsoon.
Answer:
The Monsoon of India play a pivotal role on all the economic activities of the country. The cropping pattern, crop season, nature and types of crops, yield and production has direct relationship with the monsoon. The agro-based industries, transport and communication network have their base in the southwest and northeast monsoons.

Generation of Hydro-electricity, Inland navigation, fishing and various other agro-allied activities depend and northeast depend completely on the Indian monsoon. Of the total rainfall in the country, nearly 8 8% is received during the southwest and northeast monsoon seasons. June to’September and September to December are the period for more economic activities in the country.

Question 4.
Mention the importance of Red soil.
Answer:
This soil is formed by the weathered granite rocket is red in colour and rich in ferrous content. Generally the top layer of this soil is red, while the horizon is yellowish ill colour. Red soil covers the second largest area 18.49% in the country. Larger parts of peninsular region is covered with red soil.

Tamil Nadu has the largest distribution of this in the country. Other states are Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Odisha. Rice, Ragi, Jowar, Groundnut, Tobacco, Millets, oil seeds, Potato are the main crops cultivated in this soil.

Question 5.
Name any four factors that affect Soil erosion.
Answer:

1. High temperature
2. Rain fall
3. Deforestation
4. Over – grazing

Question 6.
State four best measures in the conservation of soil.
Answer:

1. Afforestation
2. Crop Rotation
3. Control of floods
4. Proper use of water.

Question 7.
Name the States which have the highest and the lowest forest area in the country.
Answer:
State having highest forest area – Madhya Pradesh, State having lowest forest area – Haryana

Question 8.
Write the salient features of Evergreen forests.
Answer:
The Evergreen Forests:
These forests are found in the regions of heavy rainfall (above 25° cm) and high temperature (above 27°C). Tall umbrella-shaped trees with dense assemblage is a prominent feature of this forest. The evergreen forests always look green because various species of trees are found here and they shed leaves in different seasons.

The hardwood trees, rosewood, white cedar, toon, guidance, chaplash, ebony, mahogany, canes, bamboo, shisham etc. are very common in this forest. These forests are found in North¬east India, Western Ghats, Andaman and Nicobar islands, parts of Assam and some areas of Himalayan foot hills.

Question 9.
What is the Mangrove forest? Why has it become important in the recent years?
Answer:
These forests occur along the river deltas (Ganga, Mahanadi, Godavari and Krishna) of the eastern coast and also concentrated in the coastal areas of Katchch, Kathiawar, and Gulf of Khambat (Cambay). The mangrove forests in the Ganga delta are called Sunderabans because they have extensive growth of Sundari trees.

The Trees in these forests are hard, durable and are used in boat making and as fuel. In the recent years mangrove vegetation is being grownmin the coastal areas to control effects of tidal waves (Tsunami) and coastal erosion.

Question 10.
Mention any four measures of conservation of forest.
Answer:

1. Careless felling of tree, over-grazing and shifting cultivation should be avoided. Afforestation should be practiced.
2. Forest fires, Pests and diseases should be controlled through the scientific methods.
3. Use of fuel wood, wood-charcoal by the trobal people must be prohibited.
4. Encroachers of forest area should be severely punished.

III. Answer the following.

Question 1.
What is Climate? Explain the factors that determine the climate of India.
Answer:
India’s climate is controlled by a number of factors. The main factors are latitude, mountain ranges, distribution of land and water bodies, relief and monsoon winds.
1. Latitude:
The northern part of India lies in sub-tropical and temperate zone and the part lying to the south of the tropic of cancer comes under tropical zone. The tropical zone being nearer to the Cquatorm experiences high temperatures throughout the year, with small daily and annual range (Trivandrum and Chennai). Area north of the Tropic of Cancer being away from the Equator, experiences high daily and annual range of temperature (Amritsar and New Delhi).

2. Mountain ranges:
The lofty Himalayas in the north along with its extension, act as an effective climatic divide. The towering mountain chain provides an invneible shield to protect the sub-continent from the cold northern winds.

3. Distribution of Land and Water:
India is flanked by water bodies on three sides and land on the other. The differential heating of land and sea creates different air pressure zone in different seasons in the around the country. This difference in air pressure causes movement and reversal in the direction of winds.

4. Relief:
The relief features of India also affects the temperature, air pressure, direction and speed of wind, the amount and distribution of rainfall. The windward side of Western Ghats and North east receive high rainfall from June to September, whereas the eastern side (rain shadow region) ofWestem Ghats remain dry eg. Mumbai to Trivandrum \-windward region, Jalgoanto Coimbatore-leeward region

5. Monsoon Winds:
The climatic conditions of the country are greatly influenced by monsoon winds. The winds blow in a particular direction during one Season, but get reversed during the other season. South West monsoon winds blow from south west to north east, while north east monsoon winds blow northeast to southwest.

Question 2.
Explain the South West Monsoon Season with the help of a map.
Answer:
It is also known as Advancing Monsoon Season or Rainy Season. This season begins in June and extends up to September due to the influence of temperature, pressure and winds. During this season, India gets more than 75% of its annual rainfall and more than 90% of the country’s area receives downpour. It is the prime season for Kharif crops.

In the middle of June the direct.rays of the Sun fall on Tropic of Cancer due.to shift in the position of the Sun from Equator towards northern hemisphere, Therefore, there ios an increase in temperature from south to north. The Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.

The high temperature results in the formation of low pressure in the land, while the water bodies record high pressure. The pressure gradient from water to land form monsoon winds in the Indian Ocean and they blow towards India as Southwest Monsoon winds. These winds after faking birth in the Indian Ocean blow towards western coast of India as Arabian Sea winds (branch) and the other branch as Bay of Bengal winds.

The Arabian Sea winds by carrying more moisture blow along the western coast of India and cause heavy rainfall in the western parts of Western Ghats due to obstruction. These winds behave like sea breeze and cause continuous rainfall in the wind ward side of the western Ghats till they lose their moisture.

The Malabar Coast of Keral receives of the first southwest monsoon rainfall in the country. The first monsoon rainfall received here is called “Monsoon Outburst”. Agumbe of Karnataka receives the highest rainfall during tins season. It is called ‘Mawsynram of South India’.

The regions coming under southwest monsoon winds receive good rainfall wherever they get obstruction by hills and plateaus. But this rainfall is scanty and insufficient in the western parts of Aravalli Mountains because this range runs parallel to southwest monsoon winds and the winds lose moisture by the time they reach Western Rajasthan.

The Bay of Bengal winds (branch) blow from water bodies towards the Indian mainland due to variation in pressure. These winds carry moisture from the Bay ofBangaleand blows along eastern coast and finally reach north eastern hills. In its path, whenever these winds receive obstruction, they cause good rainfall.

The eastern part of Eastern Ghats and northeastern hills receive heavy rainfall. These winds after crossing the eastern coast merge with the Arabian Sea winds. The Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal winds, after merging, blow towards north eastern regions of India. The Shape of the Himalayan mountains and northeastern hills greatly obstructs these winds.

Therefore, the Meghalaya Plateau region, particularly the Nokrek areas of Mawsynram and Cherrapunji, receives very high rainfall. The altitude ofMawstnram, thick vegetation cover and hill locked location help this place to receive the highest annual rainfall in the world.

This place is popularly called ‘Rainiest’ or ‘Wettest place on the Earth’. The Southwest monsoon after crossing northeastern region blow towards east. Since the Himalayas obstruct these winds they have to take westerly direction and blow along the foot hills (Siwalik) of Himalayas.

The Shift in the Direct sun rays from Tropic of Cancer towards Equator (September) results resultsin the gradual disappearance of southwest monsoons. Agriculture, industry, transport, communication, generation of hydroelectricity, inland navigation and various other economic activities in India depend on the Southwest Monsoon. In other words, Indian economy depends on the Monsoons to a large extent.

Question 3.
Briefly explain the characteristic features of Winter and Summer seasons.
Answer:
The winter season (Mid December to End of February):
The winter season is also called cold cold weather season. In this season direct rays of the Sun fall on Tropic of Caricom. Therefore, India receives oblique sub rays. The temperature in the country is not uniform from north to south. Regions lying to the north tropic of Cancer record low temperature compared to regions in the south.

There is a general decrease in compared to regions iri the’south. There is a general decrease in temperature from south to north. December is the beginning of cold weather season and it extends up to Febrauary. The annual average temperature is around 18° C.

In the northern parts of the plains temperature fells below 5° C. January is the clodest month in the year. Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Up and parts of Bihar record very low temperatures with snowstorms (cold wave). This is the clear sky season with lowest rainfall in the year.

Some parts to Tamil Nadu and Jammu and Kashmir receive a small quantity of rainfall. Though the rainfall is less, in some parts on North India it is beneficial for Rabi crops. Annual rainfall in this season is around 2%.

The Summer or Hot weather Season (March to End of May):
The summer season is also known as hot weather season. It begins in March and continues up to May. During this season there is gradual increase in temperature from south to north due to the shifting of Sun rays from Tropic of Capricorn towards the Equator.

In this period south Indian states-Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala record high temperature. Some parts of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka (Raichur and Bellary) record more than 40°C of temperature. Sri Ganganagar ofRajasthan has recorded the highest temperature of above 52°C.

The average temperature of the-country will be around 24°C. In this season some parts of India receive convectional rainfall. They are “Mango Shwers” in Kerala, “Cherry Blossoms” in Karnataka and “Kalabaisaki” in West Bengal and Assam. During this season the country receives 10% of annual rainfall.

Question 4.
Give details of North East Monsoon season.
Answer:
The retreating monsoon season (Mid September to Mid December) : This season is also called North East Monsoon Season. It starts in the middle of September and extends up to middle of December. On September 23 rd the direct rays of the Sun fells on Equator. Therefore, there is a change in temperature and pressure in the land and water bodies.

In this period the Indian Ocean records high temperature compared to the land bodies of Indian subcontinent. The high pressure formed in the northern part of Bay of Bengal results in movement of wind from northeastern part of India towards southwestern region (Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean).

These winds blow along the eastern coast oflndia and Bay ofBengal. While blowing, they carry mosisture and cause rainfall in the east coast particularly the Coromandel Coast particularly the Coromandel Coast due to its shape and obstruction by the land. During the northeast monsoon season the country receives 13% of annual rainfall.

In this season due to pressure variation between the Bay of Bengal and main land oflndia variable winds- Cyclones and aniti- Cyclones originate in the Bay ofBengal. The tropical Cyclones take birth in this season and cause great damage in the eastern coast of India.

The coastal areas of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal come under the frequent effecto of cyclones. Some cyclones recorded in the last few years are Bola, Nargis, Nisha, Laila, Jal, Neelam etc.

Question 5.
What is Soil? Explain the Major types of soils.
Answer:
Soil is the minute or finer rock particles found on the surface of the Earth. It is formed naturally, due to the weathering of rocks, under the influence of climate. Other factors in tis formation are vegetation, age of the rock, parent material and relief. Soil as a natural resource, provide nutrients and water to the plants.

The scientific study of soil known as ‘Pedology’. The soil Research Institute of India is situated at Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh. India is a vast country having great variations in its relief and climatic conditions. The geo-climatic conditions of the country have affected the general distribution of soils, their texture, structure, colour, PH value and porosity.

The combined result of climate and relief features has produced various types of soils of soils in the country. Types of Soil:
The main types of soil in India are:

1. Alluvial Soil
2. Black Soil
3. RedSoiL
4. Laterite Soil
5. Desert Soil
6. Mountain Soil.

1. Alluvial Soil:
This soil is formed by depositional work of rivers and they are mainly found in the flood plains & Deltals. Alluvial Soil covers largest geograpical area 43.36% in the country. They are mainly distributed in the river plains of the Ganga, Brahmaputra and the Indus.

Uttar Pradesh has the largest area under alluvial soil. It is also found in the delatasof east flowing rivers. Alluvial soils of India are mainly of two types,

• Khadar- new alluvium, finer in nature, found in the low lying flood plains and rich infertility.
• Bhangar- older alluvium, coarse and pebble like in nature, found at the lower depths of the pain.

Alluvial soils are more suitable for the cultivation of Wheat, Sugarcane, Rice, Maize, Pulses etc.

2. Black Soil:
This is one of the most important soils in the peninsular India. Deccan trap region has the largest distribution of black soil. This soil is also called ‘Cotton soil’ or “Regur soil”. It is derived from the weathered basalt rocks. This soil holds water for long period and become hard whenever it is dry.

It is light-black to dark- black in colour. Nearly 15.09% of the country’s area is covered with this woil. Maharashtra and Gujarat have the largest distribution of black soil in the country. Other states are Madhya Pradesh, Parts of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Important crops grown in this soil are Cotton, Sugarcane, Tobacco, Pulses, Millets, Citrus fruits, Sunflower etc.

3. Red soil:
This soil is formed by the weathered granite rocks. It is red in colour and rich in ferrous content. Generally, the top layer of this soil is red, while the horizon is yellowish in colour. Red soil covers the second largest area 18.49% in the country. Larger parts of Peninsular region is covered with red soil.

Tamil Nadu has the largest distribution of this soil in the country. Other states are Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Odisha. Rice, Raggi, Jowar, Groundnut, Tobacco, Millets, Oil seeds, Potato are the main crops cultivated in this soil.

4. Laterite soil:
The hot and humid tropical regions of India are rich in laterite soil. This soil is derived from the fragmentation adn disintegration of rocks in the hilly and mountain ranges. It is mainly found in the Western Ghats, Parts of Eastern Ghats and Northeastern hills of India (3.70%). Plantation corps like Tea, Coffee, Rubber, Cashewnut, Arecanut are cultivated in this soil.

5. Desert soil:
This soil is also called ‘arid soil’. They are mainly found in the desert and semi-desert regions of Western and North Western parts of India (4.42%). This soil has the least water holding capacity and humus content. Generallyit is not suitable for cultivation of crops. This soil is mainly found in Rajasthan, Parts of Gujarat and Haryana. With water facility crops like Bajra, Pulses and Guar are cultivated in this soil.

6. Mountain soil:
The Himalayan mountain valleys and hill slopes are covered with Mountain of Forest soil (5.51%). It is found in the mountain slpes of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarkhand regions. Crops like Tea, Almond, Saffron, Walnut are cultivated in this soil.

Other than the above, Alkaline, Saline, Peaty, Marshy, Grey and Brown soils are also found in different parts of the country. These soils are distributed in smaller creas compared to major soils (9.43%). Marshy soils are mainly found in the coastal deltas while, other types are sperad over in small pockets.

Question 6.
Explain soil erosion and conservation of soil.
Answer:
Soil erosion:
The removal or wearing away of the top soil by various natural agents and man-made factors is called ‘Soil Erosion’. High temperature, Rainfall, Wind and Waves are the natural agents while, human activities like deforestation, overgrazing, shifting cultivation, improper and unscientific methods of agriculture cause Soil Erosion.

The rate of soil erosion differs from region to region and agent to agent depending on climate and man-made factors. In the hilly regions rainfall and temperature cause more soil erosion. In coastal areas sea waves and in desert, winds are the dominant factors in the soil erosion process.

Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarkhand, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Madhya pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh are most important regions under the influence of soil Deforestation, Overgrazing, improper methods of agriculture, shifting cultivation are the most familiar human activities which are causing soil erosion in the country.

According to one estimate nearly 40% of the total area of the country is adversely affected by soil erosion. This has resulted in decrease of fertility, reduction in cultivable land, more flooding, silting, decrease in percolation of water etc.

Conservation of Soil:
Soil conservation is a set of management strategies for prevention of soil being eroded from the Earth’s surface or becoming chemically altered by overuse, acidification, salinization or other chemical soil contamination. Conservation of Soil is an important activity in the country to protect the soil layer, which is useful to man for various purposes.

Soil conservation is very much necessary to have different activites like agriculture, agro-based engagements, some industrial activities and also to conserve vegetation and animal wealth. The important measures followed in the Conservation of Soil are,

1. Afforestation
2. Control of over grazing
3. Contour ploughing
4. Terrace farming
5. Erection of bunds
6. Construction of check dams
7. Crop rotation
8. Control of shifting cultivation
9. Strip farming
10. Mulching
11. Control of floods
12. Reclamation of Ravine & Badlands
13. Proper use of water
14. Literacy and Education programmes on soil conservation etc.,

Question 7.
Describe the major types of forests in India.
Answer:
Types of forests:
One the basis of administration and legal aspects the Forests in India are classified into three types.

• Reserved Forests.
• Protected Forests and
• Unclassified Forests.

According to geo-climiatic conditions, forests are classified into.

1. Evergreen Forests
2. Deciduous/Monsoon Forests,
3. Coniferous Forests
4. Desert/Arid Forests,
5. Mangrove Forests.

1. The Evergreen Forests:
These forests are found in the regions of heavy rainfall (Above 250 cm) and high temperature (above 27°C). Tall umbrella shaped trees with dense assemblage is a prominent feature of this forest. The evergreen forests alowys alook green because various species of trees are found here and they shed leaves in different seasons.

The hardwood trees, rosewood, white cedar, toon, guidance, chaplash,. ebony, mahogany, canes, bamboo, shisham ect., are very common in this forest. These forests are found in North-east India, western Ghats, Andaman and Nicobar islands, parts of Assam and some areas ofHimalauam foot hills.

2. The Deciduous Forests:
The Deciduous forests cover a wide range of rainfall regimes. The trees of these forests seasonally shed their leaves. The Indian deciducous forests are found in a range of landscapes from the plains to the hills. These forests provides shelter to most endangered wildlife in the country, such as the Tiger, Asian Elephant, Bison, Gaur etc. The deciduous forests are of two types, viz.,

• The moist deciduous forests and
• The dry deciduous forests.

(a) The Moist Deciduous/Monsoon Forests :
The Moist deciduous forests are found in wet regions, receiving annual rainfall between 100 cm to 200 cm and temperature of 25° to 30°C. The trees of these forests shed their leaves during spring and early summer. They are found on the eastern slopes ofthe Western Ghats, Chota Nagpur Plateau, the Siwaliks ets.

Some of the important trees found in these forests are Teak, Sandalwood, Sal, Khair, Manga Tree, Wattle, Bamboo, Deodar, Blue gum, Ebony, Jackfruit, Semal, Arjun and the Banyan Tree. Teak is considered as one of the most important species of this region.

(b) The Dry Deciduous Forests or Grassland:
The dry deciduous forests are found in the areas where annual rainfall is between 50 cm to 150 cm and temperature of 25° to 30°C. Sal is the most significant tree found in this forest. Varieties of acacia and bamboo are also found here.

These forests are found in areas of central Deccan plateau, South-east of Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana and parts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Dwarf Deciduous trees and long-grasses grow in these regions. Most of the areas of these forests are used for agriculture.

3. The Mountain/Coniferous forests:
As the name indicates these forests are confined to the Himalayan region, where the temperature is less compared to other parts of the country. The trees in these forests are cone shape with needle-like leaves. The important trees are oak, fir, pine spruce, silver fir, deodar, devdar, juniper, picea, chestnut, cedar etc. They provide softwood for making country boasts, packing materials and sports articles.

4. The Desert/Arid forests:
These forests are found in the areas of very low rainfall (50 cm= per year). Thorny bushes, shrubs, dry grass, acacia, cacti and babul are the important vegetation found in these forest. The Indian wild date know as ‘Khejurs’, is common in the deserts.

The plants grow tar apart from each other. They have spine leaves, long roots and thick fleshy stems in which they store water to survive during the long drought. These vegetations are found in Rajasthan, Parts of -Jcjart, Punjab and Haryana,

5. The Mangrove (Tidal) forests:
These forests occur along the river deltas (Ganga, Mahanadi, Godavari and Krishna) of eastern coast and also concentrated in the coastal areas of Katchch, Kathiawar, and Gulf of Khambat (Cambay). The mangrove forests in the Ganga delta are called Sunderbans because, they have extensive growth of Sundari trees.

The trees in these forests are hard, durable and are used in boat making and as fuel. In the recent years mangrove vegetation is being grown in the coastal areas to control effects of tidal waves (Tsunami) and coastal erosion.

Question 8.
Briefly explain the importance of forests.
Answer:
Importance of forests:
Forests are multipurpose resources rendering various benefits to man and environment. The important benefits are:

1. Forests supply fresh air, food and fodder.
2. Forests are the rain bearers, help in causing good rainfall.
3. They control soil erosion and desertification.
4. Forests provide various products like bamboo, timber, resin, lac, gum, cane, fuel wood etc.
5. They provide medicinal trees and plants used in ayurvedic medicines eg. Neem tree, Basil, Brahmi etc.
6. They provide shelter to various birds and animals.
7. They absorb much of the rainwater and control floods and safeguards against drought.
8. They act as wind breakers and protect agricultural crops.
9. The forest soils are rich in humus and thereby maintain the fertility of the soil.
10. They provide raw materials to paper, match box, plywood and sports articles industries.
11. They provide pastures for grazing animals.
12. Forests control the local weather and climate – temperature, wind, rainfall etc.
13. Forests provide beautiful scenic spots and become recreational centers.
14. They provide employment opportunities and also promote foreign trade.
15. They maintain the ecological balance.

Thus forests play a vital role in influencing on the life and activities of man.

Question 9.
Explain the important measures of conservation of forest.
Answer:
Conservation of forest: Forests, once destroyed, take thousands of years to regenerate into their original form. The conservation o f forests in concerned with proper utilisation of forest, protection from destructive influences, misuse of forests etc. The important measures of conservation of forest are:

1. Careless felling of tree, over-grazing and shifting cultivation should be avoided. Afforestation should be practiced.
2. Forest fires, Pests and diseases should be controlled through the scientific methods.
3. Use of fuel wood, wood-charcoal by the tribal people must be prohibited.
4. Encroachers of forest area should be severely punished.
5. The government should promote intensive tree planting programs in urban centers.
6. Forest education, research and training should be expanded through programs like Vanamahotasava, social forestry, reforestation, etc.
7. Massive awareness about the aesthetics of forests (Chipko and Appiko movements) should be created through mass media, workshops, live programs etc.
8. Industrial and mining activities in the forest regions should be compensated by reforestation.
9. Development of Green belts in the urban areas.
10. Plantation of trees along the roads, railway lines, river, canal banks, tanks and ponds.

Thus, the forests are interrelated with life and environment. A rich forest resource symbilizes the national heritage of our country. Forests shuld be safeguarded to maintain biological diversity, ecological balance, to increase agricultural and industrial production and to reate pollution-free environments.

Question 10.
What are Biosphere reserves? Mention the important biosphere reserves of India.
Answer:
The biosphere reserves protect every plant and animal species in its natural habita so that this natural heritage can be transmitted to future generations. The regions surrounding the biosphere reserves would be utilized for the research and experimentation in developing forest and other products.

The Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) of UNESCO was established in 1971 to promote interisciplinary approches to management, research and education in ecostytem conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.

The Government of Inida has established 18 Biosphere Reserves of Indiam which protect larger areas of natural habital (National Park or Animal Sanctuary) and often include one or more National parks along buffer zones that are open to some economic uses.

Protection is granted not only to the flora and fauna of the protected region, but also to the human communities who inhabit these regions, and their ways of life. Eight of the Eighteen biosphere reserves are a part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, based on the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme list.


Other Biosphere reserves of the country are Great Rann of Kutch (Gujarat), Cold desert (HP), Dean Debang (Arunachal Pradesh), Sheshachalam hills (AP), Manas (Assam), Khangchendzonga (Sikkim), Agasthyamalai (Kerala,) Great Nicobar (Anadaman & Nicobar Islands), Dibru-Saikhova (Assam) and Panna(MP).