BOTANY

Detailed explanation-1: -The National Forest Management Act (NFMA) of 1976 was designed to counter damage to natural ecosystems on public lands. The act put in place a system for forest management following several debates over the legality of clear-cutting forests.

Detailed explanation-2: -The principal aim of National Forest Policy, 1988 is to ensure environmental stability and maintenance of ecological balance including atmospheric equilibrium which are vital for sustenance of all life forms, human, animal and plant.

Detailed explanation-3: -Large forest areas of princely states and “zamindaris” were taken and adoption of the Forest Policy of 1952 which recommended that 33% of the total land area of the country should be brought under Forest or tree cover. It provided detailed guidelines for management and protection of forests and wildlife.

Detailed explanation-4: -According to the National Forest Policy of 1952, forests must constitute 33% of land area for maintenance of ecological balance. Despite this policy, forest cover in India has been below the required amount.