State of Forest Report: Analysis of Forest Cover in Haryana | Original Article

ABSTRACT:

Forest and green cover are important for environmental sustainability. The most important activity that forests carry out is absorbing carbon thus reducing harmful effects of climate change. They capture and store carbon dioxide through photosynthesis. Preservation of forest is vital for existence of human life. Afforestation not only helps in conservation of tree cover but helps in availability of timber, food, fodder and fuel to the local people livestock. Destruction of forest contributes to degradation of environment and heating of our planet. Indian forest policy strives for bringing 33 percent of geographical area of the country under forest cover, but State of Forest Report for Haryana shows otherwise where forest cover is less than 4 percent of total land area. This research paper is based on secondary data. The paper covers a basic overview of forest cover in the state of Haryana, schemes of Forest Department of Haryana, challenges and suggestions for afforestation in the state.