1999 General Studies, all questions
UPSC Prelims 1999 · General Studies
Question 36: Environment and Ecology
The minimum land area recommended for forest cover to maintain proper ecological balance in India is
a25%
b33%
c43%
d53%
AnswerThe answer is (b).
The National Forest Policy of 1988 recommends that a third (33 per cent) of India's land area be under forest or tree cover to maintain ecological balance, with at least two thirds of hill and mountain regions covered. Remember: 33 per cent for the country, 66 per cent for the hills.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong. 25 per cent is below the recommended minimum.
- (b) Right. The National Forest Policy 1988 sets one third of the land area.
- (c) Wrong. 43 per cent is above the recommended figure.
- (d) Wrong. 53 per cent is far above it.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1999, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.