GS1 2020 Q17 15 marks 250 words Forestry and Climate

UPSC Mains 2020 GS1 Q17 — Forestry and Climate

Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change. (Answer in 250 words)

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Question Decoded — examiner's intent

Directive verbs
Examine
Scope keywords
status of forest resourcesIndiaresultant impactclimate change
Implicit sub-parts
  • Quantitative analysis of current forest cover based on latest ISFR (State of Forest Report) data including VCF, MOD, and OF categories.
  • Qualitative assessment of forest health including issues like fragmentation, invasive species, and monocultures.
  • The bidirectional relationship: how changing forest status affects carbon sequestration and how climate change itself is altering forest composition.
  • Critical evaluation of whether current status aligns with the National Forest Policy goal of 33% and NDC commitments.
Common pitfalls
  • Focusing only on 'increasing area' without mentioning the decline in 'Very Dense Forests' or the quality of forest cover.
  • Treating plantations and natural forests as identical in terms of carbon sequestration potential.
  • Failing to mention specific Indian climate phenomena like the impact on the South West Monsoon or the Himalayan ecosystem.
  • Ignoring the 'social' aspect of forest resources, such as the rights of forest-dwelling communities and their role in conservation.
Dimensions required
Statistical/GeospatialEcological/BiologicalEconomic (Forest Produce)Policy/Legislative (NAP, Green India Mission)Climatological
Marks allocation hint

Allocate 100 words to the 'status' by citing ISFR 2021 data and distinguishing between forest cover and tree cover. Dedicate 120 words to the 'impact on climate change' by discussing carbon sinks, albedo effect, and micro-climate regulation. Use the remaining 30 words for a forward-looking conclusion on sustainable forest management.

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