Essay on Afforestation: The creation or establishment of a forest- like land in an area with no tree cover is called Afforestation. Nongovernmental organisations usually conduct these drives to plant more saplings and trees to protect our environment. Through Afforestation, forests could be expanded, resulting in more rainfall and extensive green cover. Afforestation benefits include preservation of biodiversity and ecology, rivers and wildlife.
Essay on Afforestation 500 Words in English
We have provided Afforestation Essay in English, suitable for class 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10.
Afforestation is the creation of a forest or tree stand in a region where no earlier vegetation cover existed. Forests provide us with oxygen and are an essential condition for survival. Our country’s population increase has contributed to a decrease in the forest area. The forests that purify the air were cut down, and new towns and factories were built in their place. Not only has this impacted the world, but it has also affected us the most because we have disrupted the balance of nature that was important to our survival. Hence, recognising the value of afforestation is the need of the hour. March 21st is the UN International Day of Forests, which promotes forest and trees’ importance in our lives. Also, Van Mahotsav is an annual one week tree planting festival in India, celebrated in the 1st week of July.
Significance of Afforestation
“Afforestation” is important in India, as rapid deforestation occurs in many areas where new industries and urbanisation are emerging. The Western Ghats in India are renowned for their lush green mountains, beautiful rice fields, waterfalls and blooming environment. Due to the factories and heavy construction work, these mountain valleys are continually eroding. Widespread deforestation has led to devastating flooding and landslides. It is also possible to quote the value of “afforestation” for forest protection to safeguard the wildlife. The wild animals face a dearth of inhabitable forest regions and the land is being cleared for agricultural and industrial purposes.
Economic Importance of Afforestation
Forests are a source of renewable energy and contribute significantly to economic growth. They play a significant role in improving environmental sustainability. As per the 2007 assessment, the country’s forest cover is 690,899 km2 which is 21.02 percent of its geographical area. Very dense forest forms 83,510 km2 (2.54 percent), moderately dense forest for 319,012 km2 (9.71 percent) and open forest forms 288,377 km2 (8.77 percent) of the geographical area protected by the scrub for 41,525 km2 (1.26 per cent).
Benefits of Afforestation
Forests are providing raw materials for pulp, panel goods, matching wood and other wood industry. Forests are also a source of various minor but essential items such as bamboo, canes, grasses, essential oils, medicinal plants, lacquer, resins, fatty oils, fats, gum, tanning content, painting, animal products, etc. Any of these goods are precious foreign currency earners. Forests play a crucial role in our country’s economy. They produce a range of forest products, major and small. Timber and firewood are big items.
These are used for industrial purposes and charging. Forests offer natural protection against storms of dust, hot winds and erosion. According to an estimate, we consume four times as much wood as is regenerated each year in the forests and other tree lands. If this plundering of forests is avoided, the resources of forests in India will soon become extinct.