UPSC Prelims 1996 · General Studies
Question 63: Environment and Ecology
Consider the following programmes: I. Afforestation and development of wastelands. II. Reforestation and replantation in existing forests. III. Encouraging the wood substitutes and supplying other types of fuel. IV. Promotion of wide use of insecticides and pesticides to restrict the loss of forest area from degradation caused by pests and insects. The National Forest Policy of 1988 includes
AnswerThe answer is (d).
The National Forest Policy of 1988 aimed at afforestation of wastelands, reforestation and replanting of existing forests, and encouraging wood substitutes and alternative fuels to ease pressure on forests; it also stressed protecting forests from fire and grazing. It did not promote wide use of insecticides and pesticides to protect forests. So I, II and III are included. Remember: the 1988 policy sought a third of India's land under forest or tree cover.
- I. Afforestation and wasteland development were aims.
- II. Reforestation and replanting of existing forests were aims.
- III. Wood substitutes and alternative fuels were encouraged.
- IV. Wide use of insecticides and pesticides was not a policy aim.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Includes IV, which the policy did not promote.
- (b) Includes IV and leaves out I and III.
- (c) Includes IV and leaves out II.
- (d) Right: I, II and III were part of the policy.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1996, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.